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.

The Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) is now set to commence following the official inclusion of Chingwere FC and Shamva Mine FC, bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty that had delayed the start of the 2026 season.

The league’s kick-off had been postponed amid disputes surrounding the status of Chingwere FC, which had left the composition of the league incomplete. However, authorities have since resolved the matter, confirming Chingwere’s participation alongside Shamva Mine FC.

The latest development means the NRSL will proceed with a full complement of 22 clubs, as initially planned.

Sources within the league indicated that the delay was necessary to ensure compliance with league regulations and to avoid potential disputes once the season is underway.

With the matter now settled, attention shifts to the start of the campaign, with fixtures expected to be released soon.

The inclusion of both clubs is likely to add further competition to what is anticipated to be a tightly contested season in Zimbabwe’s second-tier league.