Late Feremba Strike Keeps MWOS FC on Top
MWOS FC solidified their position at the summit of the league table with a late 1-0 victory over Bikita Minerals at a packed MWOS Ngoni Stadium. The Punters, eager to avenge their earlier 1-1 draw against the visitors in their first encounter, came out with intent, dictating the tempo from the first whistle and showcasing their perseverance in a match that tested their patience and resilience.
The hosts exploded out of the blocks, with Arthur Banda causing chaos in the Bikita backline inside just two minutes, earning a dangerous free kick that nearly broke the deadlock early. Despite MWOS’s relentless pressure, Bikita Minerals stood firm, displaying disciplined defensive organisation to weather wave after wave of attacks. The first half was a masterclass in controlled aggression from MWOS, with Salif Cheya, Nigel Matinha, Malvern Mudzuka, and Valentine Katsande pulling the strings in a midfield display.
The game took a pivotal turn just before halftime when Chelsea Nyakope of Bikita Minerals was shown a straight red for a reckless challenge on Tinotenda Mutyambizi. Reduced to ten men, the visitors battened down the hatches, opting for a low block to frustrate MWOS as the teams went into the break deadlocked.
The second half saw Billy Veremu introduced as MWOS ramped up their offensive efforts, but Bikita’s resolute defending kept them at bay. Tinotenda Mutyambizi and Sergio Murambiwa orchestrated play from midfield, probing for openings as the Punters laid siege to Bikita’s penalty area. With time running out, manager Lloyd Mutasa turned to his bench, bringing on Tyrone Matongorere and Everson Feremba in a double substitution that would prove decisive.
In a moment of pure drama, Feremba became the hero deep into stoppage time, pouncing on a loose ball to slot home the winner and send the home faithful into raptures. The late strike secured three crucial points and extended MWOS’s lead at the top to 40 points, three clear of second-placed Simba Bhora.
Post-match, a delighted Lloyd Mutasa praised his team’s perseverance while setting sights on a top-eight finish. “We’ve hit the 40-point mark, so relegation is off the table. Now, the focus shifts to securing a top-eight finish—I and the technical team are pushing for it, though we’ll see what the hierarchy decides,” he remarked. With momentum firmly on their side, MWOS FC continue to prove they are genuine contenders in what is shaping up to be a thrilling title race.