In a commanding display of football, Dembe Football Academy triumphed over Monate Mpolaye FC with a resounding 5-1 victory at the Munsieville Stadium on 22 March 2025. The match kicked off at 3:00 PM, showcasing the home side's attacking prowess and tactical superiority throughout the encounter.
Dembe Football Academy lined up in a 4-2-1-3 formation, designed to maximise their attacking potential while maintaining a solid defensive structure. Kabelo Kganakgomo took his position in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Goose Melato on the right, Van Dijk Dakada and Siyabulela Dlamini as central defenders, and Ma1000 Tshishivhiri on the left. The midfield was anchored by Lelethu Ngcoko and Maestro Mpate, with Dolly Thoto operating just ahead as the attacking midfielder. Up front, the trio of Messi Shuenyane on the right, Deco Langa as the central striker, and Mahrez Ngidi on the left aimed to exploit any defensive lapses from their opponents. The substitutes available for tactical adjustments included Hlokoloza Diole, Pogba Maila, Bongani Maholobela, Section50 Botshe, and Jivo Mosito.
The match began with an explosive start as Deco Langa opened the scoring for Dembe Football Academy in the fifth minute, lobbing the ball over the goalkeeper following a precise cross from Dolly Thoto. Just four minutes later, Mahrez Ngidi doubled the lead, converting from close range after receiving a well-placed cross from Lelethu Ngcoko, sending the home crowd into raptures.
As the first half progressed, Dembe maintained control, with their midfield dictating the pace of the game. However, the first half concluded without any further goals, and the teams went into the break with Dembe leading 2-0.
The second half saw tactical changes from Dembe, starting with Hlokoloza Diole replacing Dolly Thoto at half-time. The introduction of Diole aimed to bolster the midfield further. Shortly after, Maestro Mpate made way for Pogba Maila in the 53rd minute, as Dembe sought to maintain their momentum.
In the 56th minute, Goose Melato was substituted due to injury, with Bongani Maholobela stepping in to fill the right defensive role. The substitutions appeared to have little impact on Dembe's performance, as they continued to press forward.
The third goal came in the 73rd minute when Lelethu Ngcoko scored with a powerful header, connecting with a short pass from Van Dijk Dakada. This goal further solidified Dembe's dominance, making it 3-0. Shortly after, Ngcoko was replaced by Jivo Mosito, as Dembe looked to keep their attacking options fresh.
Mahrez Ngidi then added his second of the match in the 75th minute, unleashing a stunning shot from close range after receiving a long pass from Messi Shuenyane, bringing the score to 4-0.
Monate Mpolaye FC managed to pull one back in the 86th minute, converting a penalty to make it 4-1, but it was merely a consolation in what had been a one-sided affair.
In the dying moments of the match, Dembe Football Academy capped off their impressive performance with a fifth goal. Ma1000 Tshishivhiri executed a spectacular scissors kick in the 91st minute, assisted by Hlokoloza Diole, sealing the match at 5-1 and leaving the home fans ecstatic.
Dembe Football Academy's emphatic victory showcased their attacking flair and tactical discipline, setting a high standard for the remainder of the league season.
