Zimpapers Logo

THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces Select team won the Defence Forces Cup trophy after beating 10-man Mozambique’s Matchedje in a thrilling tie at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
The organiser of the match, businessman Stan Kasukuwere, said both teams shared US$17 500 as a way of showing their special relationship.

Zimbabwe also received gold medals and Matchedje, a Mozambican army side that plays in their country’s top-flight league, got silver medals.
The only goal of the match came in the 13th minute after Matchedje captain Abras Cufa was robbed of the ball by Shepherd Nkata, who lobbed it home to give Zimbabwe the lead.
After that goal, Zimbabwe began firing from all cylinders with Philip Marufu tormenting the visitors’ defence.

Matchedje goalkeeper Zacarios Mgnjati kept marauding Zimbabwe strikers at bay with some brilliant saves.
The Mozambican side ended the match with 10-men after their captain Cufa was shown a red card for a second caution by referee Nomore Musindire.
Zimbabwe coach Nesbert Saruchera was thrilled with winning the floating trophy and praised his players.

Saruchera said they wanted to teach Matchedje a football lesson, as he believes Zimbabwe’s football is better than Mozambique’s.
He said they could have won by a bigger margin had his strikers converted a number of good chances.

Saruchera added that despite working with the players from Chapungu and Black Rhinos for only two days, the players responded by gelling well.
Matchedje assistant coach Guilherme Matlombe felt Zimbabwe overpowered them throughout the match.
Matlombe said his players gave their best but their opponents had an experienced squad.

He bemoaned the failure by his strikers to convert their chances and said Zimbabwe used theirs, with their goal making the difference.
The assistant coach was impressed by Marufu, who caused havoc to his defence, with his mazy runs and supersonic speed.
In the earlier match yesterday, there was a female tie that pitted the Northern Region Select and Zimbabwe Defence Force Queens.

The ZDF Queens emerged victorious 1-0 through a solitary strike by their star player Shupikai Juwawo.
Northern Region Select had to thank the brilliance of their goalkeeper Bridget Chandamale for some top drawer saves.

The ZDF Queens paraded Mighty Warriors players Talent Mandaza, Patience Mujuru and Kudakwashe Bhasopo, who had just returned from a training camp in Germany.
For winning the women’s Defence Force Trophy, ZDF Queens received US$15 000, a trophy and gold medals while Northern Region Select took home US$14 000 and silver medals.

Teams:
Zimbabwe:
M. Mudzingwa, M. Mahala, W. Chakanyuka, S. Jimu, B. Chandisaita, P. Shoniwa, T. Torovasei (K. Juwakinyu 41minutes), S. Nkata (W. Masenda 49 minutes), B. Mugoni (D. Mufudze 75 minutes), P. Marufu, T. Machacha (N. Gora 41 minutes)
Matchedje:
Z. Magnate, C. Matusse (L. Yaimi 38 minutes), O. Mahumone, A. Cufa, G. Mavume (F. Nhomusse 65 minutes), L. Ronhembe, S. David, J. Cossa (J. Zaconos 52 minutes), E. Chihahola, J. Tembe, C. Rorruque (A. Nelo 58 minutes)