Sports Writer
Mt Darwin-based Agama Football Club kept their Premier Soccer League (PSL) promotion hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory against Banket United in a tense Northern Region Soccer League encounter at Wadzanai Stadium yesterday.
The match began in nervy fashion for Agama, with Banket United taking full advantage of their shaky start.
The visitors struggled to settle on the uneven pitch, misplacing passes and failing to impose their usual attacking rhythm.
Banket United, sensing vulnerability, piled on the pressure and were rewarded just before halftime when a scrappy goalmouth scramble saw them take the lead, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Agama emerged from the break a transformed side, playing with renewed urgency.
Coach Arthur Tutani’s tactical substitution—bringing on Cleopas Kapupurika for Maxwell Makomeke—proved decisive.
Makomeke quickly formed a dangerous partnership with playmaker Tinashe Balakasi, and their growing influence turned the tide.
In the 76th minute, Makomeke’s powerful strike took a deflection, wrong-footing the Banket goalkeeper and levelling the score.
The traveling Agama fans erupted in celebration, but their joy was almost short-lived when Banket United were awarded a penalty minutes later.
However, Agama’s goalkeeper, Wilson Kudakwashe Brown, became the hero with a crucial save, denying Banket a chance to reclaim the lead.
Brown’s heroic stop ignited Agama’s final push. With momentum on their side, Balakasi rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross in the 83rd minute, powering a header past the helpless keeper to complete the turnaround.
The goal shattered Banket United’s spirit, and as the final whistle approached, disheartened home fans began streaming out of the stadium.
A visibly relieved Coach Tutani praised his team’s resilience after the match.
"I’m happy with the win, but the Banket game is now water under the bridge," he said. "Our focus shifts immediately to Black Mambas next Saturday at Pfura Stadium. Every match is a final for us now," said Tutani.
The victory sees Agama move to second place on the log, level on three points with early leaders N’ombeyaora.
With the Northern Region Soccer League’s sole PSL promotion slot up for grabs, every point is critical in what promises to be a fiercely contested season.
Meanwhile, Agama’s never-say-die attitude in Banket has sent a clear message to their rivals that they are serious contenders for top-flight football.
If they maintain this fighting spirit, the dream of PSL football may soon become a reality for the Mt Darwin outfit.
