In a thrilling opening day in the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League, Africa Mineral Ventures (AMV) set the tone with a resounding 4-0 thrashing of Manica Diamonds U19 at Chisamba Grounds in Mutare.
The Eastern Boys, hot favorites to lift the championship trophy, showcased their attacking prowess with goals from Blessing Sarupinda (17′), Collins Duwa (28′), Joseph Kembo (74′), and Adam Tende (84′). Kembo, a former Manica Diamonds U19 player, added a touch of spice to the victory, rubbing salt into the wounds of his former teammates.
Veterans Devon Chafa, Adam Tende, and Blessing Sarupinda led the charge for AMV, which boasted a formidable performance that left Manica Diamonds reeling.
The Rusape-based side’s emphatic win sets the bar high for the season ahead.
Elsewhere, Pacific Storm returnees Green Fuel FC kicked off their campaign with a clinical 3-0 win over new boys Grand Legacy FC at the Green Fuel Arena.
Darren Mutimuzunze (11′) opened the scoring, Maxwell Makomeke (45′) doubled the lead, and Timothy Phiri (54′) sealed the deal for Green Fuel.
Grand Legacy’s veteran defender Stephen Makatuka received a yellow card for dissent.
Bikita Chida Athletic edged Chivhu FC 1-0 at the Lithium Stadium, courtesy of Clemence Gwanzura’s 48th-minute strike.
The match was marked by controversy, with Chivhu FC’s Darlington Musonza receiving a red card for serious foul play in the 62nd minute.
Both teams shared five yellow cards, with Musonza’s dismissal sparking tension.
In a local derby, FC Wangu Mazodze and 4 Lions FC settled for a goalless draw at Mucheke Stadium.
Both teams created chances but failed to convert, making it a frustrating day for the fans.
In the day’s final match, Power FC staged a stunning comeback, turning around a 2-0 halftime deficit to defeat Tongogara United FC 3-2. Hat-trick hero Kudakwashe Gurure (55′, 60′, 85′ via penalty) saved the day for the Masvingo-based side.
Tongogara’s Selemani Ngoyi (40′) and Mutshamakana Kalombo (42′) had given them a comfortable lead at halftime, but Gurure’s heroics ensured Power FC grabbed maximum points.
The Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League action continues tomorrow, with five exciting fixtures lined up:
- Tenax CS FC host Yadah FC at Mutare Boys High
- Renco Mine welcome Mutare City Rovers at Maramba Stadium
- Deportivo La Murambinda vs Destiny Stars FC at Uhera Stadium
- Masvingo United FC lock horns with Great Zimbabwe University FC at Mucheke Stadium
- Bikita Minerals FC entertain Buffaloes FC at the Lithium Stadium.
