SOCCO Golden Stars vs Mercenaries FC
4 - 3
05 April 2025
Away league match played on 05 April 2025.
Kicked off at 3:00 PM
4-3
vs SOCCO Golden Stars
Away league match
By Lloyd Chisese
Thrilling Encounter at Chisamba: SOCCO Golden Stars Edge Mercenaries FC 4-3 in Seven-Goal Spectacle
A pulsating clash at Sakubva’s Chisamba Grounds saw SOCCO Golden Stars claim a dramatic 4-3 victory over Mercenaries FC in a match brimming with twists, turns, and late drama. The Saturday afternoon showdown, kicking off at 3 PM, delivered relentless action as both teams traded blows in a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Mercenaries FC stormed out of the gates, with talismanic striker Last Hwingwiri breaking the deadlock inside 10 minutes, slotting home clinically to stun the home crowd. SOCCO Golden Stars regrouped and fought back valiantly, equalizing midway through the first half before seizing the lead with a rapid counterattack. Just as it seemed the hosts would take control, Hwingwiri turned provider in the 44th minute, threading a sublime pass to Panganayi Madziwa, who coolly finished to level the score at 2-2—marking his first goal of the season and sending the teams into halftime on parity.
The second half erupted into life as SOCCO Golden Stars struck twice in quick succession, capitalizing on defensive lapses to surge ahead 4-2. Mercenaries refused to fold, however, and Hwingwiri once again showcased his brilliance, setting up Philbert Chihoro with a pinpoint assist in the 75th minute to narrow the deficit to 4-3. Coach Denfy Jojo’s tactical substitutions injected fresh energy into Mercenaries’ attack, but SOCCO’s defense stood firm under mounting pressure. Goalkeeper heroics and last-ditch clearances in the dying minutes ensured the Golden Stars held on for a hard-fought victory.
SOCCO’s coach hailed his team’s resilience: “We showed character to bounce back twice and defend our lead against a quality side. This win is a statement.” Meanwhile, a frustrated Jojo lamented missed opportunities but praised Hwingwiri’s standout performance: “Last was phenomenal, but we need to tighten up defensively.”
Last Hwingwiri (1 goal, 2 assists) was Mercenaries’ standout, while SOCCO’s collective grit and clinical finishing proved decisive. The result lifts SOCCO up the table, while Mercenaries will rue defensive errors despite their attacking flair.
Chisamba Grounds bore witness to a classic—a match that had it all, leaving fans buzzing long after the final whistle.