In a commanding performance at Munsieville Stadium on 8 March 2025, Dembe Football Academy secured a resounding 5-0 victory over Junior Boys FC in their league home match. The match kicked off at 3:00 pm, and from the outset, it was clear that Dembe were in no mood for complacency, showcasing their attacking prowess and solid defensive organisation throughout the 90 minutes.
Dembe adopted a 4-2-1-3 formation, which allowed them to dominate both the midfield and the flanks. In goal, Nash Shai provided a reliable presence, while Goose Melato and Ma1000 Tshishivhiri occupied the right and left defensive positions respectively, with Siyabulela Dlamini and Van Dijk Dakada forming a sturdy central defensive partnership. The midfield was anchored by Lelethu Ngcoko and Maestro Mpate, who were tasked with controlling the tempo of the game and linking play. Ahead of them, Dolly Thoto operated as an attacking midfielder, providing creativity and support to the front three. The forward line featured Messi Shuenyane on the right, Deco Langa on the left, and Promise Rachekhu as the central striker, all of whom were expected to exploit any defensive lapses from Junior Boys FC.
The substitutes for Dembe included Hlokoloza Diole, Section50 Botshe, Mahrez Ngidi, and Alaba Nwandula, who would later play crucial roles in maintaining the team's momentum.
The opening goal came in the 28th minute when Dolly Thoto tapped in from close range after a well-placed free kick delivered by Messi Shuenyane. This early breakthrough set the tone for the rest of the match, as Dembe began to assert their dominance.
Just ten minutes later, in the 38th minute, Promise Rachekhu doubled the lead with a spectacular scissors kick, assisted by Deco Langa's precise short pass. The confidence within the Dembe squad was palpable as they headed into half-time with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
The second half began with a yellow card for Ma1000 Tshishivhiri in the 47th minute following a bad tackle, but this did little to disrupt Dembe's rhythm. Just a minute later, Promise Rachekhu struck again, scoring a solo goal from close range in the 48th minute, showcasing his skill and determination.
In the 57th minute, Dembe made tactical substitutions, bringing on Hlokoloza Diole for Deco Langa and Section50 Botshe for Ma1000 Tshishivhiri, aiming to maintain their momentum and freshen up the squad.
The goals continued to flow as Dolly Thoto provided another assist in the 62nd minute, delivering a cross that was expertly converted by Promise Rachekhu, who scored his third goal of the match, further extending the lead to 4-0.
As the match approached its final moments, Mahrez Ngidi entered the fray in the 79th minute, replacing Lelethu Ngcoko. The substitutions proved effective, as Ngidi found the net in the 89th minute, scoring from close range after a short pass from Section50 Botshe, sealing the emphatic 5-0 victory for Dembe.
In the dying moments of the match, Alaba Nwandula came on for Promise Rachekhu in the 91st minute, allowing the striker a well-deserved rest after his hat-trick performance.
Dembe Football Academy's comprehensive victory not only highlighted their attacking capabilities but also showcased their defensive solidity, leaving Junior Boys FC with little room to manoeuvre throughout the match. The result will undoubtedly boost Dembe's confidence as they look to build on this impressive display in their upcoming fixtures.
