By McGeorge Mbare
VHEMBE Stars Academy U19 2-0 Beitbridge Juicing FC
Vhembe Stars Academy U19 secured a 2-0 victory over defending champions Beitbridge Juicing FC on Sunday in Matchday 12 of the ZIFA Matabeleland South Division 2 Pool B, at Ronnie’s Arena.
The match got off to an exciting start, with both teams pushing to break the deadlock.
Vhembe Stars Academy U19 forward Ngonidzashe Sibanda opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a spectacular bicycle kick, giving the league leaders an early advantage.
Beitbridge Juicing FC attempted to respond, with Ishmael Sifobela unleashing a powerful shot, but goalkeeper Selector Mutenda made a crucial save to preserve his side’s lead.
The visitors continued to search for an equaliser.
Tinashe Mine came close in the 35th minute however, his effort failed to find the back of the net.
Vhembe Stars Academy U19 went into the half-time break with a narrow 1-0 lead.
After the restart, Beitbridge Juicing FC made a substitution as they sought to get back into the game.
Right-back Forward Mbedzi was replaced by Alford Khoza, but the change failed to provide the visitors with the stability they needed.
Vhembe Stars Academy U19 were also forced into a change when goalscorer Ngonidzashe Sibanda suffered an injury, with Raymond Ndou coming on in his place.
The home side later introduced Emmanuel Ncube for Kundai Chikanya as they looked to strengthen their attack.
In the 86th minute, William Nyandoro was brought down by Athinandavha Siziba, prompting the referee to award Vhembe Stars Academy U19 a penalty.
Joseph Ngwenya, popularly known as Mwale, stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to double his side’s lead and put the result beyond doubt.
Mwale’s late strike sealed a deserved 2-0 victory for Vhembe Stars Academy U19.
The win lifted Vhembe Stars Academy ‘s points tally from 22 to 25, allowing them to maintain their position at the top of the Pool B standings.
On the other hand, Beitbridge Juicing FC remained on 20 points after suffering their fourth defeat of the season.