Baobab Stadium roared with purpose and pride on Sunday as Ngezi Platinum Stars delivered a statement performance, crushing MWOS 3-1 and ending their remarkable 16-match unbeaten run in the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League. In a match that had everything, tempo, goals, tension, and turning points, Ngezi not only tamed the early-season pace setters, but also thrust Simba Bhora into pole position on the log.
From the opening whistle, there was a sense of urgency about Ngezi’s play. With their fortress packed and the home crowd expectant, they knew this was more than just a game, it was a chance to humble a side many had begun calling invincible.
That intent was rewarded when Obriel Chirinda broke the deadlock, pouncing on a poor clearance after Ashwin Karengesha whipped in a teasing corner. Chirinda’s composure in front of goal was as clinical as it was symbolic, Ngezi had come to end the streak.
But MWOS, unshaken by the early setback, responded like a team with champions’ character. Billy Veremu equalised minutes later, nodding in a well-placed cross after a dazzling run by Arthur Banda on the right flank. It was the kind of response that reminded everyone why MWOS had gone 16 matches without defeat.
Still, the match tilted again, this time decisively.
Ten minutes before the break, Ashwin Karengesha etched his name on the scoresheet, blasting home a thunderbolt from the edge of the box after yet another MWOS defensive mix-up on a corner. The strike, fierce, pure, unstoppable, left goalkeeper Martin Mapisa rooted to the spot.
Barely had MWOS regrouped when Chirinda struck again. In a breathtaking moment of individual brilliance, he left Innocent Zambezi in his wake with a sudden burst of pace before rifling the ball home. At 3-1, the stadium erupted.
The visitors’ afternoon worsened when they were denied a penalty in the 72nd minute after a seemingly clear handball by Ngezi defender Chirwa. Referee Kalota waved away the appeals, a moment that left MWOS players and technical staff visibly frustrated.
After the match, the MWOS coach wore the look of a realist.
“We knew it would come at some point,” he said. “You can’t win them all. But I’m proud of the boys. They’ve been warriors. This isn’t the end, just a wake-up call.”
On the other side of the pitch, a relieved and beaming Takesure “Deco” Chiragwi praised his players for finally converting dominance into results.
“We’ve been playing good football but not getting goals. Today, we finally unlocked that door, and against a strong opponent. These are our first three goals of the season, and what a time to score them,” he said.
The loss sees MWOS drop to second place, surrendering the summit to Simba Bhora, who capitalised on the result. For Ngezi, the win was more than three points, it was proof that on their day, they can beat the best.
As the first half of the season draws to a close, the title race has just been blown wide open. And while MWOS walk away with bruised egos, Ngezi Platinum walk taller, having shattered the myth of invincibility and reignited belief in their own campaign.
