ZPC Kariba returned to winning ways in style yesterday, cruising to a 2-0 victory over Manica Diamonds at Nyamhunga Stadium.
The hosts wasted no time asserting their dominance, taking the lead just four minutes in.
Malvin Hwata ghosted past a static Manica Diamonds defence to slot home the opener, setting the tone for a commanding afternoon.
Captain Collen Muleya orchestrated play from midfield, controlling the tempo, while Munashe Kamwendo was a constant threat.
At one point, he embarked on a blistering solo run that forced Pascal Shumbaimwe and Ask Rupande into desperate defensive blocks.
Manica Diamonds struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with Fortune Binzi’s best effort sailing wide.
While the visitors showed more intent after the restart — nearly pulling one back through a Russell Kahiki long-range “scorcher” — they lacked the finishing touch to beat ZPC goalie Future Sibanda.
The win was sealed in the 68th minute when Wayne Kamurai delivered a precise corner that found Kamwendo, who made no mistake in doubling the lead.
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Former ZPC player Ian Sibelo had a late chance to haunt his old club, but Sibanda produced a superb save to preserve the clean sheet.
Manica Diamonds head coach Tafadzwa Mashiri did not hide his frustration after the final whistle, pointing to a lapse in concentration during the opening exchanges.
“It’s disappointing, to say the least. We felt we had prepared well enough to get a result, but we failed to manage the game and conceded far too early,” Mashiri said.
“Once you are exposed like that, you give the opponent the upper hand. It is never easy to come back from that, but we must look to redeem ourselves in the next fixture.”
In contrast, ZPC Kariba assistant coach Newton Chitewe praised his side’s tactical discipline, particularly the backline.
“I am happy we have found our winning ways again. A 2-0 scoreline is a significant result for us, and everything we planned during the week came to fruition,” said Chitewe.
“Special credit must go to our defence. In previous games, we struggled with defensive lapses, but today they were solid.”
