Mercenaries FC 5 vs 3 Romeos

Mercenaries FC hosted Romeos at Marymount Teachers College on 28 March 2026, kicking off at 3:00pm in a pulsating league encounter that ended 5-3 in favour of the home side. The match, refereed by Chipepera, saw an entertaining display of attacking football over 90 minutes plus injury time, witnessed by a crowd of 100.

Mercenaries lined up in a classic 4-3-3 formation, deploying Tatenda Sigauke in goal. The defensive line consisted of Last Panganayi at right back, Lloyd Chisese and Robert Matiya as central defenders, and Malvin Chakawa on the left flank. In midfield, Taurai Muodzeri anchored centrally with Gideon Chiinze on the right and Xavi Xavi on the left, tasked with linking defence and attack. Up front, the trio featured Abel Musarandoga on the right wing, Panga Madziwa leading as striker, and Lewis Marowa on the left wing. The substitutes bench included Last Hwingwiri, Simba “Kheda” Gezimati, Gerry Ndex, Tapiwa Chakawa, and Nigel Muchadenyika.

The game began with Romeos taking an early lead in the 28th minute, putting Mercenaries on the back foot. However, Mercenaries responded swiftly when Xavi Xavi curled a stunning direct free-kick into the net in the 33rd minute, expertly set up by Last Panganayi’s delivery from the dead ball. Despite this equaliser, Romeos struck again just before half-time in the 42nd minute, restoring their advantage and sending the teams into the break with Mercenaries trailing 2-1.

At half-time, both sides regrouped with Mercenaries needing to overturn the deficit. The 4-3-3 formation demanded width and creativity from the wide midfielders and forwards, while the midfield trio had to maintain control and supply the front three with chances.

Early in the second half, Mercenaries made a tactical substitution in the 54th minute, replacing left forward Lewis Marowa with Tapiwa Chakawa to inject fresh impetus on the left flank. This change paid dividends almost immediately as Last Hwingwiri, introduced earlier, scored in the 56th minute, levelling the match. The goal was a result of Hwingwiri’s own effort, demonstrating his sharpness inside the box.

Mercenaries then seized the lead for the first time in the 61st minute when substitute Tapiwa Chakawa found the net, signalling a shift in momentum. The home side pressed on, and in the 65th minute, another tactical substitution saw Nigel Muchadenyika replace right forward Abel Musarandoga, aiming to bolster the attack further.

Chakawa continued his fine form by scoring again in the 73rd minute, this time assisted by Last Hwingwiri, who provided a precise pass to set up the goal. Mercenaries were now firmly in control, leading 4-2.

Romeos refused to lie down and pulled one back in the 82nd minute, keeping the contest alive with the score at 4-3. However, Mercenaries sealed their victory deep into injury time when Gerry Ndex, who had come off the bench, scored a late goal in the 91st minute, assisted by Lloyd Chisese’s delivery from defence.

The final whistle confirmed a thrilling 5-3 victory for Mercenaries FC, a result that showcased their resilience and attacking prowess. Tapiwa Chakawa was deservedly named player of the match for his influential performance, scoring twice and turning the game in Mercenaries’ favour after coming on as a substitute.