FBC Moola conquers The Green Giant
FBC Bank beat Old Mutual 2-1 in a hotly contested and ill-tempered FSSL derby played at Innovate Sports Ground on Saturday, 21 April 2018.FBC’s first meaningful chance came early in the first half after some fine work on the right flank by new-boy Nyasha (6) but Lyneton “Tronix” Tambwera (4) shot timidly at goal. Two more good chances followed in the form of a powerful header by Andrew Chiguvare (7) and Abiot Murenzvi’s (3) curling pile driver. FBC Moola’s sustained pressure soon paid off when Tronix hit a blistering free kick from all of 30 metres on 33 minutes after a foul on Abuja by hard working Old Mutual captain Mugabe. Shortly after that FBC could have extended the lead when a close range effort crashed against the woodwork with the Old Mutual defence at sixes and sevens.
The rest of the first half degenerated into a mean-spirited affair in which many crude tackles flew around, as the home team responded to FBC’s pressing game with a physical game meant to frustrate the latter’s methodical build ups. As a reflection of how ill-tempered the match was, three Old Mutual players were cautioned, although many others went unpunished, against one from FBC.
Old Mutual emerged from the interval a rejuvenated side and took the fight to FBC with a more purposeful, attacking brand of football. Seventeen minutes into the second half, they were duly rewarded when influential Gilmore Madure (10), who had so far been kept under lock and key by FBC captain Kudzai “K-man” Kwangwari, connected a cross from the right to level matters. Energised by the goal, the Old Mutual faithful became more vociferous and accompanied their team’s every attacking move with “Hooray!” However, they were soon silenced in the 74th minute when Andrew Chiguvare restored the lead in a goal hotly disputed by Old Mutual. Some of their supporters invaded the pitch protesting that the goal had been scored from an offside position but the referee stood his ground.
FBC new-boy Nyasha (6) whose numerous crosses and several attempts at goal – including a rasping second-half shot that cannoned off the bar with Privilege Chitemerere beaten – was outstanding for FBC. Rightback Levi Mutangadura shone for Old Mutual.
Chenjerai Gwanyanya (Class 2) handled the match, assisted by Tichaona Masimbe – ©MFSB Sport. Please get in touch on [email protected] to comment on this story or post a comment on DISQUS below.