13 Feb 2025

TAFIC FC has defeated VTM FC by a goal to nil in the FNB Premiership game played on Wednesday evening at the Obed Itani Chilume stadium in Francistown.

  After suffering some loses and a draw in a row, TAFIC, affectionately known as Matjimenyenga, rediscovered their winning formula, which propelled them to the second spot in the log standing.

At the beginning of the first half, they showed hunger to score as they visited VTM posts time and again, attacking all the way. They continued with their eagerness to find an opening goal but they failed to convert chances they created as VTM goalkeeper was up to the task.

Nonetheless, TAFIC put more pressure on their opponents, forcing them to play just around their goal posts without stretching across the field. On the 25th minute, TAFIC got what they had been looking as they took a lead through a beautiful kick from Martin Daka, after receiving a good cross.

Having scored the first goal, TAFIC reduced the speed of the game, which let VTM push on their side, passing the ball around and visiting TAFIC posts. Both teams continued to battle it out, trying all their luck, making attempts, which did not bear any fruit. The teams went for recess with TAFIC leading 1-0.

In the second half, VTM came back stronger, giving TAFIC a hard time. TAFIC was put on the back foot and had to work had to thwart VTM’s attempts to score.

Though the game was played under beautiful weather conditions characterised by low rainfall, the teams did not give the audience much excitement, as the tempo of the game was a bit low.

However, both goalkeepers did their work well by saving all the balls on target.  Towards the dying minutes of the game, the visitors, who had an upper hand, piled pressure on their opponents but the first half goal was enough for the day, as they were unable to hit the net. TAFIC ended up winning the tie 1-0.

In the post-match interview, while admitting that the team has not been doing well, TAFIC coach, Elias Chinyemba, said he was pleased to get all the crucial three points. 

He said though they did not play well in the second half, his players dominated the first half, which brought them a goal, which gave his team a win.

Coach Reuben Chikoti of VTM said it was unfortunate to have suffered a defeat as they allowed a silly goal.

He said they did not come to the party in the first half. However, he added that his players were better in the second half as he told them to believe in themselves and push hard. ENDS