By Ebulenjini Sports Desk
31 May 2026
The stage is now set for what promises to be one of the most anticipated Women’s Southern Region knockout fixtures in the Munhumutapa football calendar, as the rivalry between Queen Lozikeyi Academy and Ubuntu FC continues to grow into a blockbuster encounter.
Their latest league meeting at Ebabambeni Primary School on 31 May 2026 gave football followers a clear taste of what to expect when the two sides clash again, either in the return fixture or a possible cup knockout showdown. It was a match filled with energy, controversy, tactical battles and moments of individual brilliance.
Ubuntu FC started the match strongly and took the lead in the first quarter of the first half. Their early goal gave them control of the scoreboard, and they managed to go into the halftime break leading 1–0.
However, Queen Lozikeyi Academy have built a reputation in 2026 as a team that comes back stronger in the second half. True to that growing identity, the home side returned from the break with renewed purpose and found the equaliser in the 47th minute through a brilliant long-range strike by Ayanda Ncube.
The match then developed into a finely balanced contest, with both teams exchanging attacking moments and defensive pressure. Ubuntu eventually regained the lead after what appeared to be a costly error from goalkeeper Uzile Ncube, who had otherwise delivered a strong performance throughout the game. The mistake allowed Ubuntu back in front and appeared to put the visitors in control again.
But Queen Lozikeyi Academy have become increasingly difficult to beat at their home ground, which is slowly developing into a hunting fortress for the Immortal Queens. Once again, Ayanda Ncube stepped up for the home side, this time finding the back of the net directly from a corner kick.
The referee initially recorded and awarded the goal, sparking celebrations from Queen Lozikeyi Academy. However, the Ubuntu technical team stormed onto the field protesting that the ball had gone through the net and therefore should not stand as a goal.
After initially awarding the goal and with both teams ready to resume play, the referee later changed her decision and awarded a goal kick taking the ball from the centre to the goalkick. This sudden reversal caused confusion and strong protest from Queen Lozikeyi Academy, who argued that the referee’s original decision was final and that no team had the right to pressure an official into changing a decision, especially in such an obvious situation.
Queen Lozikeyi Academy protested heavily, insisting that the handling of the decision had created a serious contestation of the match situation. The game eventually ended in a disputed stalemate, with Queen Lozikeyi Academy expected to seek a formal review of what they described as blatant confusion around the decision.
The fixture between Queen Lozikeyi Academy and Ubuntu FC has carried competitive weight for some time. Their past meetings have often been defined by draws, narrow-margin victories and highly contested exchanges. Whenever the two sides meet, supporters are almost guaranteed a mouth-watering encounter.
What makes the rivalry even more interesting this season is that both teams have revamped their squads. Queen Lozikeyi Academy, after struggling with poor results over the past two seasons, have added a few senior players to strengthen their youthful squad. Ubuntu FC have also brought in experience and new talent, making them a more competitive and balanced side.
This growing rivalry now sets the stage for a defining cup knockout fixture and an equally serious return league match. If the Ebabambeni Primary School clash is anything to go by, the next chapter between Queen Lozikeyi Academy and Ubuntu FC could be one of the biggest fixtures of the season.
For Queen Lozikeyi Academy, the result may have ended in controversy, but the performance showed resilience, character and a fighting spirit that has become part of their 2026 identity. For Ubuntu FC, the match confirmed their quality, experience and ability to compete under pressure.
One thing is now clear: Queen Lozikeyi Academy versus Ubuntu FC is no longer just another fixture. It is fast becoming a rivalry to watch.