Zimpapers Logo

The Herald, September 1, 1980 

THE goalkeeping blunder by Frank M’kanga of Resco cost Zimbabwe this friendly soccer international against Zambia at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.

The issue was decided soon after half-time when Zambia’s linkman, Fredrick Kashimoto, unleashed a sizzling grounder from about 35 metres.

Although the shot was aimed straight at M’kanga, the goalkeeper went down carelessly for the save.

The ball slipped through his hands and trickled between his outstretched legs into the net.

The Zimbabwe fans were also disappointed about 20 minutes from the time when Shacky Tauro flashed the ball into the Zambian net with a diving header – only to have a “goal” disallowed by referee Frank Valdemarca.

At first, Valdermaca ruled that Zimbabwe had scored. The Zambians protested vigorously, claiming that Tauro had met the ball while standing in an offside position.

When it appeared that Mr Valdemarca was not going to change his mind, the Zambians threatened to walk off the pitch. Valdemarca then consulted the linesman, Nkosana Majoni, and the decision was reversed.

The Zimbabwe fans were not happy about the reversal and for the remainder of the match an assortment of missiles were thrown at Mr Majoni from spectators who were in the east stand of the ground.

Zimbabwe, who were held to a 1-1 draw in the first friendly in Bulawayo on Saturday, were the first to settle down during yesterday’s match.

Having switched from a 4-3-3 formation to a more attacking 4-2-4 line-up, Zimbabwe had the Zambians in all sorts of problems in the opening 15 minutes.

Zimbabwe nearly opened the account after only four minutes. Following a six-man movement down the left flank, the ball was switched to the right were George Rollo fired a “bullet” which just sailed over the crossbar.

Six minutes later, Zimbabwe took a well-deserved lead. Zambia goalkeeper, Kenny Mwape, dropped a high cross from Gibson Homela and Joseph Zulu rushed in to crack the ball home from close range.

The Zambian side began to click after about 20 minutes. Hard-working striker Peter Kaumba came close with a header and moments later M’kanga dived full-length to stop Godfrey Chitalu’s powerful drive.  The action then swung to the other end where Tauro shook the goalpost with a stinging shot from an acute angle.

Zambia drew level after 38 minutes. Chitalu worked past two defenders down the left wing and squared the ball for Moses Simwala to tap in from point-blank range.

Zimbabwe used four substitutes in the second half. July Sharara and Majid Dhana replaced Rollo and Homela respectively.

 LESSONS FOR TODAY

• Zimbabwe and Zambia share deep relations that transcend various spheres including sport, especially soccer with the countries’ two national teams having met several times over the years since the first international friendly they played after independence.
• Soccer is a unifying sport, which draws huge crowds across the world and as such, nations can do well to enhance relations by facilitating international friendlies.
• During the just-ended Defence Forces Day, one of the major highlights was a soccer match between the Zimbabwe Defence Forces select team and that of Botswana, which drew a huge crowd at the National Sports Stadium.
• Football can be a very temperamental sport as irritations can run high among both players and supporters.
• Hooliganism is a cancer that is eating into sport, especially football where some disgruntled supporters go overboard when venting their anger especially against match officials.