Herentals Queens suffer first defeat
. . . two-year unbeaten streak goes up in smoke
HERENTALS QUEENS’ cruise ship, which has been rolling for 38 games, has finally been stopped.
The Zimbabwe Women’s Soccer League champions, who successfully defended their crown in an invincible manner last season, have been so good that for two years, they had not tasted defeat.
They still top the log after nine matchdays in the league, but they were finally made to experience how it feels to be on the losing side when falling 1-0 to Black Rhinos Queens at 2 Brigade Grounds on Saturday.
This is the biggest derby in the Women’s
Soccer League and fans packed the arena, where they witnessed one of the best female matches in years.
Winger Passion Chihweni scored the goal that settled the tie after outsprinting Herentals’ Melody Chikoore, whose deflection on the flank wrong-footed her goalkeeper, Lindiwe Magwede.
The game, as expected, had its fair share of drama, with referee Grace Gimo caught in an interesting incident.
Herentals’ Maudy Mafuruse looped a long ball from the right that beat Rhinos ‘keeper Precious Mudyiwa 13 minutes before time and the ball appeared to sneak into goal and out of the net.
Gimo gave the “goal”; but after protests from the home team, a long stoppage followed, and she, together with her assistants, had to rush to inspect the supposed hole in the net.
She then withdrew the “goal” and allowed the nervy tie to teeter on with even more emotions.
“Herentals Queens are our biggest rivals in the league. We had to work out a formula to beat them and I am glad our game plan worked out well,” said Chihweni.
“It was an emotionally charged match and very electric. I am happy we outwitted them but they gave us a hard run.”
It was the first time this season that Magwede conceded a goal, having kept clean sheets in nine starts.
The veteran goalie was left disappointed after letting in the goal and seeing one of the longest unbeaten runs in African football coming to an end.
“Surely, this is disappointing. I was hoping to keep it clean as well, but we were also looking at avoiding defeat at least, for the sake of our record,” said Magwede.
“It was a tight contest where no one could afford to commit any slight mistake.
“We briefly lost concentration and they pounced. We should go back to the drawing board and see how we move forward again. We want to win the championship again and that is up to us.”
Meanwhile, Correctional Queens were punished for failing to provide security at their home match against ZRP Harare Queens.
Referee Grace Ndlovu ended the match, as a walkover, after giving the home team 35 minutes to secure the provision of security. Home teams are required to provide at least two police details while Correctional Queens had engaged one police officer leaving the referee and the match commissioner Stella Ruvinga to follow the rules.
ZRP Harare Queens were awarded the match and celebrated their first three points following a series of defeats since the beginning of the season.
ZRP Harare Queens coach Farai “Fago” Guveya said his ladies were geared to stun Correctional Queens.
“I am happy for collecting three points in a walkover.
“My team was prepared to surprise Correctional Queens, a team dominated by seasoned players, among them some who are in the Mighty Warriors.
“We are now preparing to meet Harare City,” said Fago.
ZWSL
Results
Faith Drive Queens 13 - 0 Hope Academy Rhinos Queens Fc 1-0 Herentals Queens Mutare City Queens 0-4 Platinum Royals Conduit Academy 2-0 Highlanders Queens Maningi Queens 0-3 Chapungu