Late Kushata Strike Secures Three Points for Young Punters Ahead of CP Chemicals Clash

MWOS FC U19 produced a mature and spirited performance at Pfupajena Stadium on Saturday, 22 August 2026, overcoming G&T Mining 2-1 in a tightly contested encounter that demanded composure, resilience and quality at both ends of the pitch.

The Young Punters began with purpose, moving the ball with confidence and looking to stretch the hosts through intelligent movement and quick attacking combinations.

The breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute when Tanaka Maseko surged forward and found space to unleash a powerful strike from distance.

Giya Tinashe played a key role in the move, providing the assist that helped set Maseko up for the opening goal.

Maseko’s finish underlined his threat in the attacking third, with the forward consistently looking to run at the G&T Mining defence and create openings.

The advantage, however, lasted only two minutes as G&T Mining responded in the 24th minute to bring the contest level.

Rather than allowing the equaliser to disrupt their rhythm, the U19s remained organised and continued to compete across the pitch.

Giya was central to that resilience, covering enormous ground between defence and midfield while repeatedly pushing forward when the team transitioned into attack.

His ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch gave the side valuable balance throughout the afternoon.

Taylor Muza also played an important role in the middle of the park, providing composure in possession and helping initiate several promising passages of buildup.

His movement and distribution helped the Young Punters connect defence with attack while maintaining control during periods when the hosts attempted to apply pressure.

Mazambani Blessing added further energy to the attacking approach, regularly finding positions that allowed him to influence play in the final third.

His willingness to drive forward made him a constant source of pressure for the G&T Mining defence and ultimately proved decisive late in the contest.

At the back, Zhawu Leeroy brought determination and defensive discipline, competing strongly before making way in the closing stages.

Nyatsambo Tinashe remained composed under pressure and helped maintain the structure of the defensive unit throughout the match.

Handirade Keith provided strength and reliability at the heart of the defensive effort, contributing to a backline that worked tirelessly to limit the hosts’ opportunities.

Chapfika Ryan likewise played an important role in keeping the defensive shape intact and ensuring that G&T Mining were made to work for every opening.

Behind them, Guranungo Tawedzerwa delivered a commanding performance that ultimately proved crucial to the result.

The goalkeeper produced several important saves during the match, but his penalty stop stood above the rest as he denied G&T Mining from the spot when the hosts appeared certain to score.

Guranungo then produced another superb intervention when a long-range effort curled towards the corner of the net, stretching to make the save and keep his side within touching distance of victory.

His composure and sharp reflexes gave the U19s the confidence to remain patient and continue searching for their opportunity.

Mawoyo Prosper contributed to the team’s attacking and midfield structure, helping the side maintain its balance before being replaced in the second half.

Ephraim Terrence entered for Mawoyo and provided fresh energy as the match entered its decisive stages.

Dzingai Farai replaced Maseko and helped maintain the team’s attacking intensity during the closing stages.

Nyapfere Marlon came on for Zhawu late in the contest, helping the side manage the final minutes as G&T Mining pushed for another equaliser.

The decisive moment finally arrived in the 88th minute.

Mazambani supplied the assist for Timmy Kushata, who found space near the edge of the box and produced a clinical finish to restore the Young Punters’ lead.

It was a strike of composure and conviction from Kushata, whose finishing quality once again made the difference when the stakes were highest.

The late goal gave MWOS FC U19 a narrow advantage to protect, and the team responded with the discipline required to see the game through.

Our U19s showed that resilience can be just as important as flair, and that a united team can find a way through even the most demanding moments.

Speaking after the match on behalf of Head Coach Wonder Ngoko, Coach Wade expressed his satisfaction with the team’s overall performance.

“I am happy with the performance,” Wade said.

“Both halves were good, and in the second half the boys listened to the instructions and executed what we asked from them.”

He also attributed the result to the collective effort and hard work shown by the players throughout the encounter.

“We got a good result because of the hard work from the boys,” he added.

The 2-1 victory provides another encouraging chapter in the development of the Young Punters, with the side leaving Pfupajena Stadium not only with three points, but with plenty of evidence of the character within the group.

That character will be tested again on Tuesday, 25 August, when CP Chemicals FC visit MWOS Ngoni Stadium for another MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League encounter.

CP Chemicals currently sit fifth on the league table with 38 points from 25 matches, while our U19s occupy 10th place with 33 points.

The five-point gap gives the Young Punters another opportunity to close in on the teams above them with a positive result at home.

CP Chemicals have recorded 10 wins, eight draws and seven defeats so far, scoring 35 goals and conceding 24.

Our U19s will now look to carry the confidence and fighting spirit shown at Pfupajena into Tuesday’s encounter.

With momentum building and another important league test ahead, the Young Punters will be aiming to make home advantage count and continue their climb up the NRSL standings.