ZB Halts Poor Run of Form
ZB Bank… (2) 4
Agribank… (0) 0
ZB Bank FC announced an end to a poor run of form by thumping Agribank 4-0 in a Financial Services Soccer League (FSSL) match played at ZB Bank Sports Club on Saturday 12 May 2018. Until the 19th minute opener by Kelvin Choga, the match had appeared to be evenly poised, with play swinging from one end to the other as the two teams sized each other up. Choga had a second bite of the cherry from the left channel, which could have extended ZB’s lead but he fluffed the chance. Arnold Chiremba however made no mistake from close range, making it 2-0 in favour of the hosts on 32 minutes after good build up which ended in a solo run on the right flank.
Godfrey Marongwe-Nkosi, who struggled with a thigh injury sustained in last weekend’s match against Standard Chartered Bank, was replaced by tenacious Markarius Marufu, who went on to stick to Agribank’s Terence Mashaira like a flea. Playing with a newfound sense of confidence, ZB Bank continued to create scoring opportunities but were let down by a poor conversion rate. On the other end Agribank’s Shingirai Nyakudya skied his effort from an inviting cross by Terence Mashaira who had made a run on the left flank. ZB Bank responded immediately with a thunderous effort that crashed against the crossbar.
As they sought to reduce the arrears, Agribank, who featured a number of new faces, won a free kick on the edge of the box but the resultant effort was off target. They however felt hard done by as they thought the foul had occurred inside the box and they should have been awarded a penalty.
In the early stages of the second half Agribank, captained by Batsirai Toronga, were the more offensive side and put ZB on the back-foot for a 20-minute spell. The visitors however did not convert this advantage into goals as they stringed some good passes but play constantly broke down in the final third. In order to neutralise the threat paused by Agribank, ZB restored captain Trust “Kolo” Muringai to the position of linkman and this immediately changed the complexion of the game. Marvelous Chiome put things beyond Agribank’s reach by scoring ZB Bank’s third goal on 75 minutes, courtesy of an assist from Kudakwashe Manyangadze. Kelvin Choga missed the opportunity to make it four goals to the good when he shot wide with only Delano Matambo – in goals for Agribank – to beat. Marvelous Chiome and Captain Kolo went on to miss other chances for ZB before the home team closed their account win an 86th minute goal by Steven Muvirimi.
ZB’s caretaker coach Zachariah Mutinhima, standing in for Head Coach Samuel Nyahombwe who later made an appearance, said that Agribank’s Evaristo “Kabila” Chiangwa had a good game on the left side of defence while his opposite number Sibert Chitokwindo praised Kolo for an imperious performance in midfield. ZB’s second win of the season took them to sixth position on the log standings, displacing Ecobank who lost to Old Mutual.
Shepherd Mudzingwa (Class 1) assisted by George Muchabvu (Class 2) handled the match.
ZB Bank: Israel Murimi, Godfrey Marongwe-Nkosi (Markarius Marufu), Kudakwashe Manyangadze, Tendai Mandeya, Joseph Chiteza, Trust Muringai, Marvelous Chiome, Perseverance Tom, Arnold Chiremba (Steven Muvirimi), Kelvin Choga, Aldridge Mandigora (Perkins Kamupira ).
Agribank: Delano Matambo, Evaristo “Kabila” Chiangwa, Marshall Masunda, Batsirai Toronga, Percy Shonhiwa, Aaron Mavange, Richard Rapozo (Pride Neshamba), Tapiwa Muzondo, Keith Panashe Chikwana, Terence Mashaira, Shingirai Nyakudya.
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