FBC Moola Bursts ZB’s Bubble
ZB Bank… (0) 1
FBC Moola… (2) 2
ZB Bank’s hopes of a sustained revival suffered a setback when they were beaten 2-1 by FBC Moola in a competitive and entertaining match played at ZB Sports Club on Saturday, 26th May 2018. Having won their last two matches emphatically against Agribank and Payserv, the home team was hoping to make it 3 out of 3 but FBC Moola had other ideas. ZB captain Trust “Kolo” Muringai, who had a rather subdued game by his lofty standards, missed the first real chance of the game when he skied his effort. On the other end, ZB left-back Gerald “Marcelo” Gwavuya handled under pressure and up stepped FBC Moola captain Leynton “Tronix” Tambwera, who however shot wide. Play immediately swung to the other end and Gwavuya – who charmed some FBC supporters with his close ball control and energetic display on the left side of defence which earned him comparisons with his Real Madrid’s roving left back Marcelo – whipped in a cross from the left but striker Arnold Chiremba shot wide. Chiremba then found some space on the right flank but his shot across goal found no takers. ZB’s purple patch in which they had a chance to score at least three goals, soon came to an end and play decidedly swung in FBC’s favour.
FBC broke the deadlock when Nyasha Sanhewe made a determined run on the right flank and his cross was headed in by stocky Richard Mangenda after 35 minutes. Tronix, who tended to have one touch too many during the game, then fluffed a good chance but recovered quickly and dispossessed Zachariah Mutinhima. His cross was met by Abiot Murenzvi who made no mistake from close range on 43 minutes.
Early in the second half Sanhewe made a solo run but shot weakly at Tinashe Mapfumo in goal for ZB. Mangenda missed an opportunity to treble FBC’s lead, although it wouldn’t have mattered if he had scored, because he was ruled offside. ZB had a chance to reduce the arrears when Kelvin Choga watched agonizingly as his shot just missed the upright post. In a moment of madness, FBC goalkeeper Simbarashe Nyakaswa, who was error-prone all afternoon and had just been cautioned for a needless professional foul, rushed out of his goal area and failed to clear, gifting a determined Kelvin Choga with an opportunity for a header that cut FBC’s lead by one goal in the 88th minute. ZB Bank piled on the pressure in an effort to get the all-important equaliser but there simply wasn’t enough time. James “Baluba” Mugoneka and Kudzai “K-Man” Kwangwari were booked for rough play while ZB substitute Gerald Matanhire found his way into the referee’s black book for an infringement on the FBC goalie.
Varaidzo Samushonga, probably the only female referee on the panel of officials doing business in the FSSL, handled the match, assisted by Amos Chapo. Although both teams questioned some of her decisions, Samushonga allowed the game, which sometimes became too physical, to flow.
ZB Bank: Tinashe Mapfumo, Joseph Chiteza, Gerald “Marcello” Gwavuya, Tavengwa Kasere (Maxwell Chamboko), Tafadzwa Nyamutsamba, Zachariah Mutinhima (Gerald Matanhire), Marvelous Chiome (Aldridge Mandigora), Kelvin Choga, Arnold Chiremba, Trust Muringai, Kudakwashe Manyangadze.
FBC Moola: Simbarashe Nyakaswa, Richard Mangenda, Paul Muteverwa, James Mugoneka, Kudzai Kwangwari, Tatenda Nembaware, Nyasha Sanhewe, Leynton Tambwera, Abiot Murenzvi (Terrence Chitsamba), Absalom Rupiya, Exeavia Mafaune. ©MFSB Sport
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