CARACAS, Venezuela (Interstat) — Edwuin Pernía scored a goal and added two assists to power Puerto Cabello to a commanding 3-0 victory over Zamora in a Primera División match on Saturday at Complejo Deportivo Socialista.

The home side delivered a dominant performance that defied pregame projections, which had forecast a much closer contest. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 1-1 draw, while its ELO rating system gave Puerto Cabello a 58.40 percent probability of victory. On the pitch, however, the match was anything but even.

The victory gives Puerto Cabello a winning start to their campaign in the Venezuelan top flight. Both teams now hold a record of 0-0 in the Primera División, with this match marking the opening of their seasons in the competition. Their records across all competitions also stand at 0-0.

The game’s physical nature was established early, with seven yellow cards issued by the officiating crew. Zamora’s Mamadou Mbaye was booked in just the 4th minute, setting a contentious tone for the match.

Despite the early interruptions, Puerto Cabello found its rhythm and broke through just before halftime. The opening goal came in the 39th minute from midfielder Harrison Contreras, who finished a play to give the hosts a deserved lead.

The home team carried that momentum into the second half, effectively putting the game out of reach in the 83rd minute. Forward Edwuin Pernía, who had been instrumental throughout, netted his first goal of the match to double the advantage.

Pernía was not finished, however. He capped his standout night by contributing to the final goal, which was scored in the 90th minute. The goal was officially recorded as an own goal, sealing the comprehensive 3-0 result for the home side.

While the scoresheet showed an own goal for the third tally, the build-up was a testament to Puerto Cabello’s relentless attack and depth. Pernía’s second assist of the evening on the play highlighted his central role in the victory. Beyond Pernía and Contreras, the team received significant contributions from its bench. Substitute Paolo Chacón registered an assist, as did fellow substitutes Henry Pernía, Arles Flores, Tomás Díaz and Pedro Álvarez, demonstrating the squad’s effective use of its entire roster.

Defender Mamadou Mbaye, despite his early yellow card, also managed to get forward and contribute an assist in the match.

For Zamora, the match was a frustrating start to the season. The visiting squad failed to convert any scoring opportunities and was unable to disrupt Puerto Cabello’s controlled possession and incisive attacking movements. The team will look to regroup after a performance that fell well short of pregame statistical expectations.

The convincing win provides Puerto Cabello with immediate momentum as they begin their pursuit of the Primera División title, while Zamora is left to analyze a disjointed performance on both ends of the field.