The Northern Region Division One matchup between Golden Eagles and Simba Bhora Tuesday was one of magnificence.
It’s a new rivalry that has gripped the second tier of Zimbabwean football as the two ambitious sides gave a good display in the most anticipated game of the league.
Ellis Robins School which is the home ground of the Gilbert Mushangazhike-coached Golden Eagles was packed, the parking spaces outside and inside the school premises were teeming with vehicles as scores of people came to witness the game.
Recognisable faces were also in the stands, from football greats, current Premier League players, socialites, musicians, coaches and former cricket players.
The match was evenly balanced going into halftime as the two teams took turns threatening each other’s goal.
It was the home team Golden Eagles who drew first blood in the second half through a Knowledge Mapuka header as he was unmarked near the post beating an unsuspecting Simba Bhora goalkeeper Simba Chinani.
It looked like Golden Eagles were walking away with the precious three points until the 90th minute when former CAPS United midfielder Ronald ‘Rooney’ Chitiyo set up Dean Chunga to equalise a few minutes after his introduction.
With the draw, Simba Bhora has maintained a three-point lead ahead of Golden Eagles with six matches to go before the end of the season.
For those who were attending this game for the first time, it was love at first sight, to see such beautiful football being played in the lower division and attracting such attention and crowds.
But for those who have been feeding on this, it was another staple diet, seasoned with the usual exciting fast-paced football.
Pictures: Munashe Chokodza & Libertino
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