StanChart in Six-goal Rout of Ecobank
Ecobank… (0) 0
StanChart… (2) 6
Standard Chartered Bank routed Ecobank in a six-goal blitz to move to the summit of the Financial Services Soccer League (FSSL) table after the sixth round of matches. The match was played at Standard Chartered Sports Club, with Ecobank under the guidance of player-coach Kudzai Matanyaire, being the home team. The first chance of the game saw StanChart’s Carlington “Mukanya” Dauti making a run on the left and squaring the ball for Olleny “Belgian” Muringani whose first time effort sailed over the bar and the ball was almost carried away by a passing gonyeti. A few minutes later, Ecobank won a free kick outside the penalty box and Tapiwa “Chandida” Majo’s powerful shot at goal was safely collected by Edwin “Dida” Seka between the sticks for StanChart.
Tatenda Ruzvidzo, who impressed with some deft touches in the middle of the park, produced what turned out to be the miss of the day when he shot wide with Dida beaten and an open goal at his mercy. Tichaona Pfukwa could have thrust StanChart into the lead put failed to tap in a spill by the goalkeeper. Pfukwa however made amends after half an hour when he opened StanChart’s account at the end of one of several moves orchestrated by Mukanya on the left flank. Mubaiwa Mubayiwa doubled the lead on 39 minutes when he got to the end of another fine move by Mukanya, almost a carbon copy of the move that produced the first goal.
At the beginning of the second half, Ecobank pulled out Weston Chiwara and Silent Mashingaidze for Kudzai Mandangu and Tinashe Kahwema as they sought to come back into the game. StanChart did not however take the foot off the pedal and responded by scoring through Olleny Muringani (58 minutes) and substitute Bothwell Mukaro (74 minutes). Ecobank then made a tactical change of personnel when goalkeeper Loshto, who was replaced by Believe Zihove, moved to right back while Kahwema moved to the midfield. This change also saw playmaker Chandida, who had tried to stamp his authority in midfield being substituted. But this tactical tinkering was like rearranging deck chairs on a sinking Titanic – the damage had already been done. StanChart gaffer Wisdom Mukaro then introduced Nyasha “Nyale” Dambudzo for Kudzi Matongo and the speed merchant made an immediate impact and caused all sorts of problems for Ecobank although he did not score. Olleny had the ball in the back of the net but was ruled off-side. Bothwell Mukaro completed his double after 78 minutes following an interchange with the Belgian, in a goal that exposed the Ecobank’s defensive frailties. Bruce completed the rout when he made a solo run from midfield and gave Believe Zihove no chance from close range after 89 minutes. Although Mukanya was substituted early in the second half, he had done enough to earn the tag of outstanding player for StanChart.
StanChart remains unbeaten after six matches and share the same number of points with CABS who are also unbeaten. The former team however assumed pole position on account of a superior goal difference.
Prosper Musonza (Class 1) had a good grip of the match and was assisted by Virimayi Kumire (Class 3).
Ecobank: Loshto, Silent Mashingaidze (Tinashe Kahwema), Nhamo Sanangurai, Terrence Makotore, Edgar Nyamundanda, Leeroy Marire, Walter Matiza, Tatenda Ruzvidzo, Weston Chiwara (Kudzai Mandangu), Tapiwa “Chandida” Majo (Believe Zihove) & Kudzai Matanyaire.
StanChart: Edwin “Dida” Seka, Persuade Moyo (Bothwell Mukaro), Kudzi Matongo (Nyasha “Nyale” Dambudzo), Blessing “Gaza” Machingura, Munya, Lazarus Ikenamu, Tichaona Pfukwa (Bruce), Curtis Thompson, Olleny Muringani, Mubaiwa Mubayiwa, Carlington Dauti (Brighton Parwaringira)