HUNYANI FC kicked off their Zifa Eastern Region Division 2B campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over fellow debutants Mannyset FC at the Robert Mugabe International Airport Stadium on Sunday.
Basil Makoni coached side struck first through Blessing Mangiza in the opening minute, only for Mannyset to level in the 18th minute via a Peter Tsuro strike. The first half ended 1-1, with both sides evenly matched in open play, though Hunyani edged in possession.
The second half belonged to Hunyani. Captain Ronaldo "CR7" Musaravati restored the lead in the 63rd minute, slotting the ball past the keeper after a precise pass from Hilary Moyosvi.
Moyosvi sealed his man-of-the-match performance in the 69th minute, dribbling past a defender and rounding the goalkeeper before slotting into an empty net. Vunganayi Mafuseni wrapped up the 4-1 rout with a stoppage-time strike.
Mannyset head coach Clever Kanyama admitted the home support played a role in the defeat.
“We played a very good game, forcing them to a stalemate at halftime. This was our first game in this league and we fancied our chances of snatching a victory, but probably the fans’ noise worked to the disadvantage of my players,” he told NewsDay Sport.
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“We will take the positives and work on our shortcomings heading into the next match. It’s most likely going to be a double-header, so we have to be twice prepared.”
While Mannyset succumbed to the support, referee Noel Karonga and his assistants Hannah Karakadzai and Clemence Maguta were on top of the situation and never intimidated by the crowd. They were spot on in dismissing what appeared to be a close offside call on Hunyani as they surged on in search of a second goal that had looked elusive.
Hunyani FC head coach Basil Makoni highlighted the game as a learning opportunity for the fledgling squad.
“Since we’re only three weeks into existence, we’re still trying combinations, but today gives us an insight. Our guys were a bit jittery; it’s their first time playing together, and as coaches, we understood that. We managed to score in the first minute, which gave us confidence, but when they hit back, my guys dropped off," Makoni said.
The match also drew the club hierarchy, including chairperson Jeremy Mnangagwa, deputy chair Tongai Mnangagwa—also deputy minister of Tourism—and the club patron, witnessing a promising start to Hunyani’s competitive journey.
Zifa Eastern Region Division 2 B Weekend Results:
Mutoko 2-2 Rusununguko, Hunyani United 4-1 Mannyset, Joyce Mine 3-0 Purple Patch, Bundu 1-0 Ruwa Community, Kufatichitonga FC 1-0 Chibamu FC, Juru FC 1-0 Hukuru FC, 2m Academy 2-1 Hills FC, Bethel 1-0 Hot Spurs FC.