Highrange Snatch It Late as MWOS FC U19 Prepare for Shamva Mine

MWOS FC U19 suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Highrange FC after conceding from a late corner in Matchday 19 of the Northern Region Soccer League at Gwanzura Stadium on Friday afternoon.

The Young Punters made a confident start to proceedings and were first to threaten inside the opening minutes.

Highrange earned an early corner, but Leeroy Zhawu rose well to head the danger away before the U19s launched a swift counterattack.

Tanaka Maseko drove forward from the left and found Tinashe Nyatsambo, whose ambitious long-range strike sailed over the crossbar.

The hosts continued to test the visitors, but Takunda Manomano produced a solid save from an effort on the right before Patrick Manyoni completed the clearance to preserve parity.

Manyoni nearly caught the home side by surprise moments later when he attempted an audacious strike from just behind the halfway line, forcing the goalkeeper into a comfortable save.

Both sides continued to exchange attacks in an entertaining first half, with neither willing to surrender possession or territory.

Highrange came close from a dangerous free-kick just outside the area, but Kean Maravanyika was alert on the goal line, heading the goal-bound effort away with Manomano beaten.

The Young Punters almost found the breakthrough before the interval when Maravanyika delivered an excellent pass into the path of Maseko, who burst down the right before seeing his shot well saved.

Moments later, Blessing Mazambani whipped in an inviting cross from the left, but Timmy Kushata was unable to make contact as the chance went begging.

The two sides went into the halftime break deadlocked after an evenly contested opening 45 minutes.

MWOS FC U19 resumed brightly after the restart, with Maseko delivering an early corner before Zhawu once again stood firm to halt a dangerous Highrange attack.

Mazambani later tried his luck from distance, but his effort was gathered comfortably by the goalkeeper.

Coach Wonder Ngoko looked to freshen up the side on the hour mark, introducing Pardon Nyandoro and Tendai Chisenzere in place of Prosper Mawoyo and Walter Five.

The visitors continued to create opportunities as Timmy Kushata produced an impressive run down the right flank before attempting to pick out Tendai Chisenzere, only for the hosts to intercept at the crucial moment.

At the opposite end, Nyatsambo produced an excellent defensive intervention inside the penalty area before Maravanyika headed another Highrange corner clear.

Further attacking changes followed as Valentine Zvomuya, Takudzwa Darkeni and Cleopas Masumbuko were introduced to inject fresh energy into the closing stages.

Manyoni then made a crucial defensive block before almost becoming the hero at the other end when his free-kick from just outside the penalty area drifted narrowly wide.

Mazambani delivered another dangerous cross into the box soon after, but Maseko could not get the decisive touch.

Highrange were handed a late opportunity from a free-kick just outside the area, but the effort flew harmlessly over the bar.

Just when it appeared both teams would settle for a share of the spoils, the hosts struck from a corner deep into stoppage time to snatch all three points in dramatic fashion.

Despite the cruel ending, the Young Punters produced another disciplined and spirited performance that deserved far more than the final scoreline suggested.

Reflecting on the match, Coach Steven Wade praised his players’ commitment despite the late setback.

“They played well in the first half. The second half had a lapse in concentration, leading to us conceding that goal in the last minute. However, we will carry on from there,” said Wade.

Attention now quickly turns to Matchday 20, where MWOS FC U19 welcome Shamva Mine FC to MWOS Ngoni Stadium on Tuesday, 7 July.

The clash presents an immediate opportunity for the U19s to respond after Friday’s disappointment.

The current league standings show little separating the two sides, with MWOS FC U19 sitting 19th on 20 points, while Shamva Mine FC occupy 20th place on goal difference with the same number of points.

Victory would not only provide an instant response but could also create valuable breathing space in the battle to climb the Northern Region Soccer League table.

With the turnaround between fixtures being only a few days, the Young Punters will be eager to put the late heartbreak behind them and reward the home supporters with a strong performance at MWOS Ngoni Stadium.