Futbol Club de NRG faced off against Simbisa Brands Karoi at the Estadio De Mortuary on 31 May 2025, with kick-off at 3:00pm. The match concluded with a resounding victory for NRG, who secured a dominant 5-0 win over their opponents in this league away match.
NRG lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Tichaona Tichaona took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Joseph Kalusa on the right, Nyandoro Lloyd and Craig Madhochi in central defence, and Darlington Kalusa on the left. Douglas Zhanewo operated as a central midfielder, tasked with linking defence and attack. The attacking trio featured Jona T Moto on the right, Leon Chipfakacha on the left, and Tafadzwa Yasin leading the forward line alongside striker Casper Mubika and left forward Emmanuel Marikopo.
The substitutes for NRG included Nigel J Mwasila, Darlington Zindoga, Anywhere Sengeledo, Trevor Makainganwa, and Tadiwa Kanyama, who were poised to make an impact from the bench.
The scoring opened early in the match when Tafadzwa Yasin found the net in the 8th minute, converting from close range with his right foot. This early goal set the tone for a dominant performance from NRG, who continued to press their advantage throughout the first half.
As the match progressed, NRG doubled their lead in the 38th minute. Darlington Kalusa unleashed a stunning long-range strike, expertly assisted by Leon Chipfakacha, who provided a precise short pass. Kalusa's effort left the Simbisa Brands Karoi defence reeling, and the half concluded with NRG firmly in control at 2-0.
The second half saw immediate tactical changes from NRG, with Nigel J Mwasila replacing Casper Mubika shortly after the restart. Just a few minutes later, Darlington Zindoga came on for Douglas Zhanewo, further reinforcing NRG's midfield presence.
In the 64th minute, Anywhere Sengeledo entered the fray, taking the place of the impressive Tafadzwa Yasin. This substitution proved fruitful, as Sengeledo played a crucial role in the next goal. In the 74th minute, Jona T Moto scored his first of the match, finishing from close range after receiving a well-timed short pass from Sengeledo.
Jona T Moto was not done yet; he struck again in the 82nd minute, this time converting a short pass from Emmanuel Marikopo to extend NRG's lead to 4-0. The forward's clinical finishing showcased his growing confidence and ability to exploit defensive lapses.
As the match drew to a close, NRG continued to press for more goals. In the 88th minute, Craig Madhochi added to the tally, scoring from close range after a fortuitous assist from Nigel J Mwasila. Madhochi's goal, described as a fluke, capped off a remarkable performance for NRG, who finished the match with a commanding 5-0 victory.
In the final moments, Tadiwa Kanyama replaced Nyandoro Lloyd, ensuring NRG maintained their tactical shape as the referee, Talent, brought the match to a close. The victory not only highlighted NRG's attacking prowess but also their defensive solidity, leaving Simbisa Brands Karoi with much to ponder as they regroup for future fixtures.
