Zimbabwe Lift Zimbabwe Defence Force Trophy

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) select team successfully retained the Defence Forces Trophy, securing a 2-1 victory over their Namibian counterparts at Rufaro Stadium. The match marked a fitting end to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day commemorations.

Willard Zakeyo opened the scoring for the ZDF select in the 15th minute. However, Namibia equalized shortly after halftime through Stephanus Makayi. The decisive goal came late in the second half from substitute Hammond Muchingami, sealing the win for Zimbabwe.

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We are very happy to win this game because we really needed to retain the title we won last year. It feels good to win in front of such an enthusiastic crowd and we dedicate this to the people of Zimbabwe.

ZDF coach Tererai Zinyowera expressed his happiness with the victory, emphasizing the team's need to retain the title won the previous year. He dedicated the win to the people of Zimbabwe and highlighted the team's fitness advantage in the latter stages of the game.

The ZDF select, comprising players from local clubs like Black Rhinos and Chapungu, showcased an organized performance. The Namibian team also put up a commendable effort, with goalkeeper Polite Sibanda making crucial saves for Zimbabwe. The ZDF team walked away with the US$20,000 prize money, while the Namibian team received US$15,000.

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It was a hard-fought victory because it was two halves. We dominated in the first half, but in the second half they dominated, they got an equaliser. But we didn't give up the fight. We looked a bit fitter than them and we used that advantage of these guys (that are playing together at their clubs). We realised that they were tired in the last minutes of the game and we pushed. So it was very, very important to win this game.