Warriors vice-captain lifts Wolves’ intensity, but Chelsea edge tense Carabao Cup clash at Molineux
Zimbabwe vice-captain Marshall Munetsi came off the bench to inspire a much-improved second-half display from Wolverhampton Wanderers, who narrowly lost 4–3 to Chelsea in a dramatic Carabao Cup last-16 tie at Molineux.
After being rested from the starting lineup following an intense run of games, Munetsi entered the match at halftime with Wolves trailing 3–0. His introduction — alongside Ladislav Krejčí — immediately transformed the hosts, injecting urgency, bite, and direction into midfield as Wolves mounted a spirited comeback.
Chelsea had stormed into a commanding lead through Andrey Santos (5’), Tyrique George (15’), and Estêvão Willian (41’), leaving home fans frustrated and chanting against both manager Vítor Pereira and the club’s owners.
But Wolves rallied after the break. Tolu Arokodare pulled one back in the 48th minute, and David Møller Wolfe added two more late goals (73’, 90+1’) in a thrilling finale. Despite a red card for Chelsea substitute Liam Delap and Munetsi driving play forward with precision and aggression, the hosts fell just short of completing the comeback after Jamie Gittens restored Chelsea’s cushion in the 89th minute. Wolves fired one back a minute later creating a tensy end to the fearcily contested match,
While Tawanda Chirewa remained an unused substitute — the match deemed too tense to risk the young midfielder — his inclusion in the matchday squad again signals Wolves’ growing faith in Zimbabwean talent.
Tough Night for Zim Prospect Trey Nyoni as Liverpool Crash Out of League Cup
Young midfielder starts in 3–0 home defeat to Crystal Palace at Anfield
Zimbabwean midfielder Trey Nyoni endured a difficult evening as Liverpool were knocked out of the Carabao Cup following a 3–0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Anfield.
The 18-year-old, who continues to develop under Arne Slot, was handed a rare start in midfield alongside fellow academy prospects Kieran Morrison and Rio Ngumoha. However, the youthful Reds struggled to cope with Palace’s physicality and experience, conceding twice before halftime.
Goals from Ismaïla Sarr in the 41st and 45th minutes put Palace firmly in control, before Yeremy Pino sealed the result late on with a third in the 88th minute.
Despite the defeat, the match offered valuable experience for Nyoni, who remains one of the most highly rated teenagers in Liverpool’s system and is eligible to represent Zimbabwe or England at international level. His inclusion in key domestic cup fixtures shows the club’s long-term faith in his potential.