Young Punters Derail Title Charge in Season-Ending Spectacle
MWOS FC U19s produced a performance of sheer brilliance and defiance yesterday, playing the role of party poopers to perfection by defeating league-chasing N’ombeyawora FC 1-0 in a fiery season finale at a raucous MWOS Ngoni Stadium. With the visitors needing a win to clinch the Northern Region Soccer League title, the Young Punters instead delivered a masterclass in composure under pressure to secure a famous victory.
From the first whistle, a transformed U19s side took command of the occasion, playing with a swagger and control that belied their years. The defence room, orchestrated by the imperious Abdul Kassim and Kieht Handirade, dictated the tempo, reducing the vaunted N’ombeyawora attack to mere spectators for large periods.
The breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute, a moment of pure, unadulterated quality. After Farai Dzingai was fouled a few yards outside the area, captain Brendon Mpofu stepped up and, with ice-cool precision, curled an exquisite free kick into the top corner, sending the home faithful into delirium.
Rather than sit on their lead, The Punters continued to turn the screw. The introduction of fresh legs like Valentine Zvomuya injected further verve into the attack, while the dazzling footwork of Munayaradzi Rekanani on the wing ensured the visitors’ defence remained in a state of constant anxiety throughout the second half.
As the clock ticked down, N’ombeyawora launched a desperate, last-gasp assault. But they found their path blocked by a human wall in the form of goalkeeper Rashy Guranungo, who produced a Man of the Match display, pulling off a series of vital saves to preserve the clean sheet and cement the three points.
The final whistle confirmed not only a triumphant end to the season for MWOS but also handed the league title to Agama FC. A delighted U19s coaching staff reflected on a perfect day, stating, “We are happy we managed to get the win against a high-profile team like them. We thank the fans for showing up in the manner they did, and it was a good end to the season.”