Eastern Region title race wide open as Yadah slip up and Tenax close in

Yadah FC’s grip on the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League loosened significantly over the weekend after a 1-0 defeat to Deportivo La Murambinda FC blew the championship race wide open after the completion of Week 21.

The Miracle Boys were stunned at Uhera Stadium yesterday by a 62nd minute strike from July Player of the Month Kofi Sarfo. The loss means Yadah remain top on 43 points from 20 games, but their lead has been cut to just 2 points.

The biggest beneficiaries were Tenax CS FC. They beat fellow contenders Grand Legacy FC 2-0 on Saturday and have now moved to 41 points.

With Yadah slipping, Tenax are right in the hunt and just one win away from going top.

It was a tough weekend for the other title chasers. Africa Mineral Ventures FC suffered a shock 1-0 loss away to Renco Mine FC and stay third on 39 points.

Grand Legacy also slipped to defeat and remain on 38 points in fourth. Green Fuel FC kept pace with a 2-1 win over Great Zimbabwe University FC and sit fifth on 37 points, level with Deportivo Murambinda who climbed to sixth on 37 after their famous win.

Elsewhere, Manica Diamonds U19 FC beat Four Lions FC 2-0 on Friday as week 21 kicked off.

The result leaves Four Lions still searching for their first win of the season.

They are 18th on 10 points after 20 games, with 0 wins, 10 draws and 9 losses.

Power FC and Destiny Stars played out a gritty 2-2 draw in Mashava, while Bikita Chida Athletic Club snatched a late 1-1 draw against Mutare City Rovers thanks to a 90th minute equalizer. Bikita Minerals FC were on bye this week.

At the bottom, Power FC sit 19th on 10 points after their draw, with Great Zimbabwe University on 18 points and Chivhu FC on 14.

The log is now set for a tense finish. Yadah 43, Tenax 41, AMV 39, Grand Legacy 38, GreenFuel and La Murambinda both on 37. Just six points separate the top six.

Looking ahead, there is midweek action to catch up on. Both FC Wangu Mazodze vs Buffaloes FC and Masvingo United FC vs Chivhu FC were postponed from Week 21 due to the unavailability of Mucheke Stadium.

The two fixtures will now be played in the midweek. Wangu Mazodze are 16th on 16 points from 19 games, while Masvingo United are 9th on 24 points from 19 games and will be looking to climb further.