Second-Half Brilliance Seals Crucial Away Victory for MWOS FC U19
MWOS FC U19 returned to league action in style, overcoming Harare City 2-1 at Callies Sports Club to extend their impressive run following their recent cup success.
The Young Punters knew they were in for a stern examination against a Harare City side chasing promotion, and the opening exchanges reflected exactly that.
The U19s started brightly, with Mawoyo Prosper linking well with Walter Five before attempting to release Timmy Kushata inside the penalty area, only for the striker to arrive a fraction too late.
Tanaka Maseko continued to trouble the hosts down the flank, combining neatly with Five before seeing his effort blocked, while Blessing Mazambani also tested the defence from distance.
Kushata tried his luck from range midway through the first half, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.
At the opposite end, Harare City searched for a breakthrough through set pieces and long-range efforts, but the MWOS FC U19 defence stood firm.
Ryan Chapfika, Tinashe Nyatsambo and Kean Maravanyika produced a series of vital interventions to frustrate the hosts, while goalkeeper Tawedzerwa Guranungo confidently dealt with aerial threats, including punching clear from a dangerous corner.
Keith Handirade, who was booked during the first half, also produced a perfectly timed challenge to deny Harare City in a dangerous attacking position.
With neither side able to find the breakthrough, the teams went into the interval locked at 0-0.
The visitors returned for the second half with renewed attacking intent.
Mazambani produced a delightful through ball that sent Maseko racing towards goal, but the forward’s shot drifted narrowly wide.
Moments later, Guranungo was called into action, making an excellent save before confidently collecting the resulting corner to preserve the deadlock.
Maravanyika then headed clear from a dangerous Harare City free-kick as the visitors continued to withstand increasing pressure.
MWOS FC U19 responded positively through Kushata, whose powerful strike forced a save from the Harare City goalkeeper.
The breakthrough eventually arrived after a sustained spell of pressure.
Tinashe Nyatsambo delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area that caused panic in the Harare City defence.
Following a scramble inside the box, Prosper Mawoyo reacted quickest to fire MWOS FC U19 into a deserved lead.
The Young Punters continued to threaten, introducing Farai Dzingai and Tendai Chisenzere to inject fresh energy into the contest.
Harare City found a route back into the match when they were awarded a penalty, which they converted to level the scores.
Rather than retreat, MWOS FC U19 responded with determination.
Maseko once again burst down the left flank and produced an inviting cross into the penalty area.
Mawoyo rose superbly above his marker to power home a brilliant header and restore the visitors’ advantage with only minutes remaining.
Dembele Nyamhandu was introduced late in the game as Coach Wonder Ngoko’s side managed the closing stages professionally.
The Young Punters remained disciplined under late pressure before seeing out the contest to secure a hard-earned 2-1 victory.
The result marks another important away win for MWOS FC U19 and highlights the character, resilience and growing maturity of a young side continuing to build momentum in the league.
Speaking after the match, Head Coach Wonder Ngoko praised his players’ discipline and resilience.
“It was a hard game, considering we were playing against a team that is fighting for promotion. We knew it was not going to be easy.”
“What makes me happy is that we had just come from another tough match at Ascot, and we expected another challenging game today. But the boys stayed focused, stuck to our game plan, and we managed to get the win.”
