Herentals FC delivered a ruthless first-half performance to thrash Agama FC 3-0 in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League midweek Matchday 3 clash on Thursday, as they climbed into the top half of the table.

All the damage was done inside a devastating 14-minute spell in the first half. Ralph Kawondera opened the scoring in the 21st minute before Dreamer Liyeto doubled the advantage just two minutes later. Tinashe Mupumha completed the rout in the 35th minute, effectively sealing the contest before halftime.

The victory lifts Herentals to seventh place with four points from three matches, tightening the race in the early standings behind log leaders Caps United FC and second-placed Dynamos FC.

Agama, meanwhile, remain rooted at the bottom of the table without a point after three outings, having conceded six goals and scored just once so far this season.

Elsewhere, Dynamos secured a late 2-0 win over Bulawayo Chiefs FC courtesy of goals from Jairos Kasondo (86’) and Frank Agyemang (90+3’), while Scottland FC cruised to a 3-0 victory against Manica Diamonds FC, with Khama Billiat scoring a brace.

Herentals’ emphatic win stands out as the most dominant result of the round, underlining their growing momentum as the season begins to take shape.

Newly promoted Castle Lager Premier Soccer League side FC Hunters remain one of three teams yet to score a goal in the 2026 campaign, but their defensive resilience has ensured they stay unbeaten after the opening round of fixtures.

Hunters, alongside bottom-placed Triangle United and second-from-bottom Manica Diamonds, are still searching for their first goal of the season. However, unlike their struggling counterparts, the debutants have built their campaign on defensive solidity, recording three consecutive goalless draws while keeping a clean sheet in every match played so far.

Under the guidance of head coach Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera, Hunters have demonstrated organisation and discipline at the back, earning valuable points despite failing to find the net. Their latest stalemate came against Platinum yesterday, where they once again showed defensive maturity but lacked the cutting edge in attack needed to secure maximum points.

The Harare-based newcomers’ unbeaten start offers encouragement, particularly for a side adjusting to life in the top flight. While goals have been hard to come by, their ability to avoid defeat suggests a foundation upon which Saruchera can build as the season progresses.

In contrast, Triangle United’s campaign has endured a difficult start. Anchoring the league standings, Triangle have lost all three of their opening matches and conceded four goals without scoring. Their struggles deepened following a 1-0 home defeat to league leaders CAPS United yesterday, leaving them under early pressure to turn their fortunes around.

Manica Diamonds, who sit just above Triangle on the table, have also failed to register a goal this season. Having conceded three goals and lost two matches, they face a stern test against reigning champions Scottland as they seek to kickstart their campaign and restore confidence within the squad.

For Hunters, the immediate challenge remains converting disciplined performances into victories. While their defensive record ranks among the league’s strongest early in the season, improving attacking efficiency will be crucial if they are to climb away from the lower half of the standings and establish themselves comfortably in their maiden PSL campaign.

As the season gathers momentum, all eyes will be on whether Saruchera’s men can finally break their scoring drought while maintaining the defensive stability that has defined their promising, if goal-shy, start.

FC Barcelona delivered a ruthless second-half performance to sweep aside Newcastle United and book their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in emphatic style.

Brazilian winger Raphinha and Polish striker Robert Lewandowski both netted twice as the Catalan giants overwhelmed the visitors in a dramatic last-16 second leg at the Nou Camp.

Heading into the clash, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe had challenged his side to rise to the occasion and for a while, they did just that. The Magpies matched Barcelona blow-for-blow in an electrifying first half, with Anthony Elanga twice drawing them level after earlier strikes from Raphinha and youngster Marc Bernal.

Despite Newcastle’s resilience, Barcelona edged ahead before the break when teenage sensation Lamine Yamal calmly converted from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, giving the hosts a 3-2 halftime lead and firm control of the tie.

The contest, however, shifted decisively after the restart.

Midfielder Fermin Lopez extended Barcelona’s advantage early in the second half after being played through by Raphinha, before Lewandowski struck twice in quick succession to dismantle Newcastle’s resistance.

Raphinha then completed his brace to cap a dominant display, punishing a defensive lapse to seal a comprehensive victory on the night winning 7-2, underline Barcelona’s attacking firepower.

Newcastle will reflect on a spirited first-half showing but ultimately paid the price for defensive lapses, having initially responded well to going behind early when Raphinha opened the scoring with a composed finish following a slick one-two.

Elanga’s double, both coming from well-worked moves involving Lewis Hall and Harvey Barnes, had briefly reignited hope for the visitors, but they were undone by Barcelona’s clinical edge and superior control in the latter stages.

The Spanish side now march into the quarter-finals, where they will face either Atletico Madrid or Tottenham Hotspur as they continue their pursuit of European glory.