By Prince Chese
Vhembe Stars Academy 0 Chapungu 0 (3-4 penalties)
THE scoreline tells it all, it was left to the lottery in a day Chapungu had three weak shots at goal.
Vhembe Stars Academy lacked luck after drawing rings around the airmen left clueless and panting in every department.
Saturday’s game exposed the Central Region Division One leaders and some poor officiating decisions where at times the middle official Dube failed to wave play on where there was no head injuries only to disadvantage the hosts.
And he kept his cards in the pockets when the military men hacked the kids who sent the travelling supporters quiet as the took the game to the visitors the entire 90 minutes.
Sometimes lady luck is needed, and Vhembe badly missed that!
Despite that brave and determined show Vhembe Stars lost to the agony of a shootout, just a lottery.
The young side produced a spirited performance against league leaders Chapungu FC, dominating large parts of the match before suffering a heartbreaking 4-3 in penalty defeat after a goalless 90 minutes in the Munhumutapa Cup at Dulibadzimu Stadium on 16 May this Saturday.
Despite facing the Central Region Division One table toppers, Vhembe showed no fear from the opening whistle and controlled both halves with confidence, energy, and attacking intent.
The first real warning came in the 18th minute when Vhembe unleashed a thunderous strike that crashed against the woodwork, leaving the Chapungu goalkeeper sprawling helplessly on the turf as the home supporters erupted in excitement.
Five minutes later, Vhembe continued piling pressure after Davies Nyaukondiwa(7), was clipped outside the box, earning his side a dangerous free-kick in the 23rd minute.
Chapungu, however, tried to respond through set pieces. In the 32nd minute, they delivered a dangerous corner kick that swung deep into the penalty area, briefly troubling the Vhembe defence and goalkeeper.
Still, Vhembe remained the better side throughout the opening half. By the 44th minute, Chapungu had failed to register even a single shot on target as Vhembe’s defence stood firm and disciplined.
The first half ended dramatically at 0-0, with tension growing around the stadium while both technical benches prepared for a fierce second half battle.
After the break, Chapungu introduced fresh legs with Magiliza Brighton (15), Brian Ndlovu (11), and Watson Edward (10) entered the contest.
There was also a special moment for Vhembe Stars as Mate Ronald (22) made his long-awaited return from injury, stepping onto the pitch for his first appearance of the season after months on the sidelines.
As the match intensified, the atmosphere inside the stadium became tense and silent, with every attack carrying the weight of a possible breakthrough.
Chapungu finally managed their first shot on target in the 67th minute through Brendon Manyenyewapo (8), but Vhembe continued frustrating the visitors with disciplined defending and strong midfield control.
Late in the match, Magiliza nearly broke the deadlock for Chapungu with a powerful drive, but Vhembe survived the scare as the game headed toward penalties after a hard-fought 0-0 draw in regulation time.
In the dramatic shootout, both sides held their nerve before Chapungu edged Vhembe 4-3. Mpande Thabolulhe converted the decisive penalty to send Chapungu into the next round of the Munhumutapa Cup.
Despite the painful defeat, Vhembe Stars head coach Blessing Madombi praised his players for their fighting spirit and dominance during the match.
“The boys played very well and managed to dominate the game in 90 minutes. Yes, Chapungu won 4-3 on penalties, but it was our first match of the season reaching penalties. Next time we will correct our penalty kicks,” said Madombi
Chapungu assistant coach Muchangami Moendah also admitted his side had been pushed to the limit by the youthful Vhembe team.
“Yes, we won, but Vhembe is a very good young side that played good football. These guys made the match very difficult for us when it came to scoring,” he said.
Although Vhembe exited the competition, their fearless display against one of the strongest teams in the division earned them respect and proved they can compete with the best.