By Faith Ndou
MASVINGO-Green Fuel FC handed Masvingo United FC aka Una Una their first defeat of the season after a 1-0 win at home, Mucheke Stadium in a Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League match.
The visitors struck in the 25th minute when Timothy Phiri rose highest to head home after a free kick taken by Blessing Sahondo.
The goal proved to be the difference in a tightly contested match where both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Una Una started brightly with the game evenly balanced in the opening minutes.
They tested Green Fuel FC from distance in the 18th minute and had a good spell of possession through Hillary Bakacheza’s neat exchange in the 22nd minute but couldn’t find the much needed breakthrough.
After going behind, Una Una pushed for an equaliser. Blessing Sibanda forced a good save from Green Fuel FC goalkeeper Victor Machopa in the 40th minute and the hosts piled on pressure late in the half.
Still, they went into the break trailing 1-0.
The second half followed a similar pattern with Masvingo United FC dominating possession and creating half-chances.
They attacked consistently after the restart and were on the front foot.
A well-taken free kick in the 68th minute also came to nothing as Green Fuel’s defence held firm.
As time ticked away, Una Una’s urgency grew.
By the 82nd minute, the hosts were desperate for a late equaliser but Green Fuel FC stayed organized at the back and saw out the remaining minutes to seal all three points.
Blessing Sahondo was named Man of the Match for his performance for Green Fuel FC while Simbarashe Verenga picked up the award for Masvingo United FC.
Speaking after the match, Masvingo United FC coach Saprine Muchabaya admitted it was a tough result despite a strong performance.
“Our first defeat, but it was a good game. We got many chances but failed to convert. They got their chances and scored,” said Muchabaya.
“My worry is we are conceding goals from setpieces, but it’s work in progress. We now shift to our away game in Mutare vs Tenax CS FC.”
Both coaches agreed it was a high-quality encounter that lived up to expectations.
On the other hand, Green Fuel FC coach Arnold Jani was pleased with his side’s execution in a high-stakes encounter.
“It was a clash of the giants. The two teams played well, good football. It was an entertaining game,” said Jani.
“We got our chance and utilised it, and it paid off. Going to the next match, we take the game as it comes. We are playing away against FC Wangu Mazodze in the midweek fixture.”
With this win, Green Fuel FC move to second on the log with 20 points while Masvingo United remain on 17 points after seeing their unbeaten run come to an end.
