League newcomers MWOS FC dumped football giants CAPS United out of the Chibuku Cup, marking their debut in the competition with a resounding victory at Ngoni Stadium yesterday.
The 2-0 win, with goals from Nigel Matinha and Arthur Banda, was capped off by a historic moment when 13-year-old Ethan Tamson made his senior debut, becoming what is believed to be the youngest player ever to participate in the tournament.
Tamson, a Form 1 pupil, was introduced in stoppage time to a roaring crowd, stepping onto the field for his first taste of top-flight football.
This remarkable moment adds another layer to MWOS FC's fairy tale run, as they knocked out one of Zimbabwe's traditional powerhouses in their very first Chibuku Super Cup match.
Speaking on the historic substitution, MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa said:
"Tamson is now 13 years old, and you know, history will always say this young boy started his Premier Soccer League career against the Cup Kings CAPS United."
MWOS FC were the dominant side throughout the match, creating numerous chances and controlling the flow of the game.
Early in the first half, Tafadzwa George had a headed effort saved brilliantly by CAPS United goalkeeper Stephen Kwaku, and Aboubakar Moffat tested the keeper with a free kick just before halftime.
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The home side's persistence paid off ten minutes into the second half when Matinha scored a spectacular goal from outside the box, leaving Kwaku with no chance.
Shortly after, MWOS nearly doubled their lead with two big chances from Tafadzwa George and Tinotenda Mutyambizi, one of which was denied by the woodwork.
The victory was sealed when Banda scored the second goal, ensuring MWOS FC's progression to the quarter-finals of the competition.
CAPS United coach Ian Bakala expressed his disappointment, but acknowledged the team's ongoing struggles.
"It's very disappointing, but again, we have to see where the team is coming from," he said. "The team didn't start well from the beginning of the season... We just have to focus on the league now."
Meanwhile, Mutasa praised his team's performance, highlighting their belief and focus.
"If the truth is told, nobody maybe thought MWOS would be where it is right now," he stated.
"It's not mighty, but we're saying it's God that has propelled us to this position as long as we keep focused and keep believing, He will always be with us."
