The Young Royals Football Club faced off against BN Academy in a thrilling league match on 21 September 2024 at the Belgravia Sports Club, Harare. The match, which kicked off at 11:00 am, concluded with a nail-biting scoreline of 3-2 in favour of the Young Royals, showcasing their determination and skill on the pitch.
The Young Royals adopted a 4-3-3 formation, a tactical setup that emphasises width and attacking play. In this arrangement, Kudakwashe Chikumbu occupied the goalkeeping position, while Leeroy Twala and Farisai Chihoro lined up as right and left defenders, respectively. The central defensive duties were shared by Brilliant Sixpence and Presenel Langeni. The midfield trio featured Blessing Pedzisai on the right, Tatenda Madziva in the centre, and Tafadzwa Kandiado on the left. Up front, the attacking line consisted of Tafadzwa Chibatamoto and Amos Nyakatsapa as left and right forwards, with Clemence Vela spearheading the attack as the striker.
The Young Royals had three substitutes available: Brandon Damson, Batiranai Shamhu, and Oscar Gwatidzo, providing tactical options should the need arise during the match.
The match began with an early attempt from as the visitors got a corner but lacked finishers. However, it was Clemence Vela who opened the scoring for the Young Royals in the 5th minute, heading home from close range after a well-placed free kick by Presenel Langeni.
The excitement continued as Farisai Chihoro followed up with a stunning goal in the 17th minute, striking from outside the box with his left foot, directly from a corner kick. This put the Young Royals firmly in control with a 2-0 lead. However, the game took a turn as the hosts remained vigilance despite the goals.
In the 28th minute, the Young Royals' momentum was disrupted when Kudakwashe Chikumbu failed to firmly hold the ball, allowing BN Academy to score from close range, reducing the deficit to 2-1. This was compounded by a yellow card issued to Farisai Chihoro for unsporting behaviour shortly before the half-time whistle.
As the first half came to a close, the Young Royals held a slender lead. The second half commenced with a quick key pass from Presenel Langeni that created an opportunity, but the Young Royals' goalkeeper, Kudakwashe Chikumbu, was tested again in the 48th minute, having to parry a shot away.
BN Academy equalised in the 52nd minute with a direct free kick from outside the box, again taking advantage of a momentary lapse in concentration from the Young Royals, making it 2-2.
In the 60th minute, the Young Royals made their first substitution, bringing on Brandon Damson for Tafadzwa Chibatamoto. The tactical switch aimed to regain control in the defense as Chihoro was now sitting on a yellow card. This was followed by another substitution in the 70th minute, with Batiranai Shamhu replacing the Amos Nyakatsapa.
With the match finely poised, Farisai Chihoro stepped up once more, scoring his second goal of the match in the 79th minute. He volleyed in disgusing both the goalkeeper and defender who were close to him, restoring the Young Royals' lead at 3-2.
As the match entered its closing stages, the Young Royals made a final substitution in the 80th minute, introducing Oscar Gwatidzo for Blessing Pedzisai. In the 85th minute, Presenel Langeni showcased his defensive prowess with a crucial clearance that prevented a potential equaliser from BN Academy.
The match concluded with an impressive defensive work from Tatenda Madziva, Presnel Langeni and Brilliant Sixpence which in some instances created chances that highlighted the Young Royals' attacking intent as they secured a hard-fought victory. The referee's performance was fair throughout, contributing positively to a match filled with intensity and excitement.
In the end, the Young Royals celebrated a well-earned three points, with Presenel Langeni emerging as the standout player of the match for his contributions at both ends of the pitch.
