MWOS FC: Grinding Out Results in a Gauntlet of Fixtures

MWOS FC’s gruelling eight-day, three-match stretch tested their resilience after a heartbreaking end to their long-standing home unbeaten run. A 2-0 defeat to FC Platinum—their first home loss since June 2023—sent shockwaves through the camp, leaving them desperate for redemption as they travelled to the fortress-like Nyamhunga Stadium to face ZPC Kariba.

The Punters’ trip to Kariba was never going to be easy—ZPC Kariba’s home ground is a notorious graveyard for visiting teams. The hosts struck early, unleashing a thunderous long-range effort in the 7th minute that left MWOS FC reeling. But rather than capitulate, Lloyd Mutasa’s men dug deep, controlling possession and probing for an equaliser. Their persistence paid off just before halftime when Abubakar Moffat announced himself in spectacular fashion, rifling in a stunning 44th-minute leveller—his first goal for the club.

The second half became a tactical stalemate, with both defences holding firm. While MWOS FC may have wanted more, Mutasa saw the 1-1 draw as a crucial step forward. “After two back-to-back losses, getting a draw away is a promise of a change in fortunes,” he declared, signalling his belief in a turnaround.

Buoyed by their battling display in Kariba, MWOS FC returned home with hopes of reigniting their top-eight push against Herentals FC—a side they had narrowly beaten earlier in the season. A packed stadium roared in anticipation, but disaster struck in the 24th minute when Tino Benza rose unchallenged to nod Herentals into the lead.

Yet, MWOS FC responded like a wounded beast. Just six minutes later, a slick passing move involving Malvern Mudzuka and Nigel Matinha culminated in Billy Veremu’s clever chested finish, sending the home fans into raptures. Despite dominating possession, the Punters couldn’t find a winner, settling for another 1-1 stalemate.

Though two consecutive draws may not have been the ideal return, Mutasa remained bullish. “Results will start coming,” he insisted, pointing to his squad’s gradual resurgence after a rocky patch. With the team now unbeaten in two, the focus shifts to converting draws into wins—especially if they are to solidify their place among the league’s elite.

For MWOS FC, the fightback has begun. The question now is whether they can turn promise into three points in the matches ahead.