Mt Darwin-based Agama Football Club produced a resolute and disciplined display yesterday at Ellis Robins to hand log leaders N’ombeyawora a 1-0 defeat, completing a memorable season double over their rivals.
The win, secured by substitute Emmanuel Chambara in the second half, was Agama’s second identical 1-0 triumph against N’ombeyawora this season, having beaten them by the same scoreline on 21 May at Pfura Stadium.
Yesterday’s result keeps the promotion race wide open, with Agama now on 63 points — just one behind N’ombeyawora — with ten crucial games still to play.
Much of Agama’s success yesterday was built on a rock-solid defensive unit marshalled superbly by Aleck Chiume, Hillary Kahanda, Christopher Petros and Akson Labana.
The quartet thwarted wave after wave of N’ombeyawora’s advances, with goalkeeper Wilson Kudakwashe Brown standing tall between the posts.
Brown’s confident handling and crucial saves ensured Agama never cracked under pressure, drawing loud applause from the thousands of Agama supporters who turned the away fixture into a near-home advantage.
In midfield, Agama’s engine room operated with precision and grit. Malvin Nyauyanga controlled the tempo with clever passes, while Alex Zimunhu’s work rate and Cain Mashonganyika’s physical presence frustrated N’ombeyawora’s rhythm.
The trio’s combination of flair, discipline and energy provided the perfect platform for skipper Tinashe Balakasi to shine.
Balakasi, the talismanic striker and captain, was tireless in attack. His intelligent runs kept the N’ombeyawora backline on high alert, and though he did not get on the scoresheet, his leadership and link-up play inspired confidence in his teammates.
Forward Grey Kufandada also impressed, stretching the opposition defence with pace and direct play.
The decisive moment came midway through the second half. Emmanuel Chambara, who had replaced the industrious Constantine Tinapi, pounced on an aerial ball misjudged by N’ombeyawora goalkeeper Dean Togara. Showing composure beyond his years, Chambara rounded the stranded keeper and calmly slotted the ball into an empty net, sparking wild celebrations among the Agama faithful.
Despite being the “away” side, Agama commanded overwhelming support. Thousands of fans from Mt Darwin and beyond painted Ellis Robins in Agama colours, outnumbering the home supporters who only managed a small presence. Every tackle, clearance and pass from Agama was met with deafening cheers, creating an electric atmosphere that buoyed the players until the final whistle.
After the game, Agama coach Paul Chimalizeni praised his charges but struck a note of caution.
“We are happy with the result, but we will not be carried away by this win because there are still more games to come. We are taking each match as it comes, continuing to believe in ourselves and in divine intervention,” he said.
With the title race finely poised and ten matches remaining, Agama’s victory has reignited their promotion push while sending a clear message to their rivals — they are in it until the very end.
