By Prince Chese
Duliz(1) vs(3)West Nicholson
Dulibadzimu United suffered a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to their boogey team West Nicholson in a Central Region Division One match played at Dulibadzimu Stadium on Saturday.
The visitors started the match brightly and opened the scoring in the 10th minute through Tafadzwa Mukahlera, giving West Nicholson an early 1-0 advantage.
Dulibadzimu United struggled to contain the visitors’ attacking pressure, and Leo Anashe doubled the lead in the 42nd minute to hand West Nicholson a comfortable 2-0 halftime lead.
In an effort to change the game, Dulibadzimu United made a triple substitution in the 63rd minute, introducing Muzenda Bismark, Nyamandu Mayson and Mangava Sam. However, the changes failed to stop the visitors from extending their dominance.
West Nicholson added a third goal in the 67th minute through Courage Sithole, who had come on soon after the start of the second half.
Dulibadzimu United managed to pull one back in the 72nd minute, but the goal was only a consolation as West Nicholson comfortably held on for victory.
Speaking after the match, Dulibadzimu United supporter and former Beitbridge FC player Amos Ronald blamed the team’s struggles on the technical bench.
“The problem is on the coaching side. They choose the first 11 based on favouritism and not on player performance. That is why our team is facing these challenges,” said Ronald.
Meanwhile, West Nicholson supporter Admire Ncube praised his team’s impressive form and backed them for promotion.
“Our team is destroying every team that comes our way because we are aiming for Premier League promotion next season,” he said.
West Nicholson head coach Ophani Muleya said his side was fully focused on maintaining momentum ahead of their next fixture against Matobo at Munhumutapa.
“I am very happy with the result. We take each game as it comes. This match is now water under the bridge and we are preparing for the next game with another plan,” said Muleya.