MWOS FC Dig Deep to Extend Unbeaten Run Against Resilient Manica Diamonds

MWOS FC once again showed their trademark grit and fighting spirit as they battled to a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Manica Diamonds at the buzzing MWOS Ngoni Stadium yesterday. The result may not have been the home win many expected, but it was enough for the Punters to etch their name into PSL history—going nine games unbeaten in their debut season, a record that has stood untouched for 42 years.

Coming into the match, the pressure was immense. Sitting second on the table and playing in front of a passionate home crowd, MWOS were chasing history. In the opening five minutes, they looked every bit the title contenders, with Veremu scoring what looked to be the opener in the first minute—only for it to be ruled offside.

Then came a rare moment of misfortune in the 10th minute. Manica Diamonds’ Ask Rupande spotted Mapisa slightly off his line and unleashed a speculative long-range effort from near the halfway line that somehow found the net. It was a shock to the home fans and players alike, as MWOS found themselves behind in unfamiliar territory.

Yet, what followed was a relentless response. Murambiwa’s header in the 18th minute flew agonisingly wide, and Matinha’s 30th-minute free kick forced a strong save. MWOS kept pushing, and despite being frustrated by the visitors’ deep defensive block, they never stopped believing.

The second half brought more urgency. Zambezi was brought down in the box in the 51st minute, but the referee waved play on. MWOS maintained their composure, moving the ball quickly and probing for an opening.

Their persistence finally paid off in the 83rd minute. A reckless challenge by a Manica defender left the referee with no choice but to award a penalty. Salif Cheya stepped up and coolly slotted it home, sending the crowd into raptures.

While it wasn’t the three points the Punters hoped for, the draw was enough to make history. The Punters march on unbeaten, showing once again that when pushed, this team digs deep. Next up: Chicken Inn—another test for this hungry, history-making side.