In a commanding display at the Munsieville Stadium on 28 January 2025, Dembe Football Academy secured a resounding 3-0 victory over Monate Mpolaye FC in their league home match. The match kicked off at 3:00 PM, with an enthusiastic crowd of 100 in attendance witnessing a performance that showcased the academy's attacking prowess and solid defensive organisation.
Dembe Football Academy lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, a tactical setup designed to maximise width and exploit the flanks. The back four consisted of Goose Skipper and Ma1000 Thousand as the right and left defenders, respectively, flanking central defenders Dakadar Driller and Siya Mhlekazi. In midfield, Pogba Maila operated on the right, with Koketso KK in the centre and Maestro Ma-E on the left, providing both defensive cover and attacking support. Up front, Mthakathi Mhlekazi, Promise Matuba, and Deco Italian Job formed a dynamic trio, with Matuba playing centrally as the striker, flanked by Mhlekazi and Italian Job on the right and left, respectively.
The substitutes for the match included Hlokoloza Hloko, Sibusiso Ngidi, Tapole Tapole, Bobo BB, and Messi Goat, who were poised to make an impact should the need arise.
The match began with an electric start, as Promise Matuba opened the scoring for Dembe Football Academy just three minutes in. Matuba rose majestically to meet a corner delivered by Deco Italian Job, directing a powerful header into the net from close range, sending the home fans into raptures.
As the first half progressed, Dembe maintained control, but tensions flared when Pogba Maila received a yellow card in the 37th minute for an unspecified infringement, a moment that briefly disrupted the flow of the game. However, the academy side went into the half-time break with a well-deserved lead.
The second half saw Dembe Football Academy continue their dominance, and it didn't take long for them to extend their advantage. In the 55th minute, Deco Italian Job doubled the lead with a well-placed shot from inside the box, following a clever assist from Promise Matuba, who had showcased his vision and creativity.
Shortly after, tactical substitutions began to unfold, with Hlokoloza Hloko replacing Mthakathi Mhlekazi in the 57th minute, followed by Sibusiso Ngidi coming on for Promise Matuba just a minute later. These changes aimed to maintain the momentum and freshen up the attacking options.
The relentless pressure from Dembe paid off again in the 60th minute when Pogba Maila found the back of the net with a right-footed strike, assisted once more by the influential Deco Italian Job. This third goal effectively sealed the fate of Monate Mpolaye FC, who struggled to find a response.
Further substitutions followed as Tapole Tapole replaced Siya Mhlekazi in the 69th minute, and Bobo BB came on for Koketso KK in the 70th minute, with Messi Goat entering the fray for Pogba Maila in the 76th minute. These tactical changes allowed Dembe to maintain their energy levels and control the game as it drew to a close.
Despite a valiant effort from Monate Mpolaye FC, they were unable to penetrate the well-organised Dembe defence, and the match concluded with a comprehensive 3-0 victory for the academy side. This performance not only highlighted Dembe Football Academy's attacking flair but also their defensive solidity, marking a significant step forward in their league campaign.
