adminTobias Mandoreba Hwange Sports Correspondent
Hwange 1-0 Chapungu
AN 80th minute flashing header by Hwange central defender David Boriwondo was all the resurgent coalminers needed to shoot down a determined Chapungu in an evenly contested Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played in high temperatures at the Colliery Stadium yesterday.
The gritty Midlands-based airmen had at some stages of the game threatened to run away with all the three points through some determined play revolving around stocky former Hwange and Dynamos striker Allen Tavarwisa, but a delicate free kick by Tonisani Sibelo 10 minutes from time was met with a powerful header by Boriwondo to settle matters in a duel that seemed headed for a stalemate.
The visitors were the first to settle down and threaten the Hwange goal with striker Tineyi Chitora unleashing a scorching grounder that was pushed out for a corner by Hwange goalminder Takava Mawaya after 10 minutes of action.
Three minutes later, Hwange could have taken the lead after Chapungu defender Hillary Mugoniwa miscued his intended clearance and the ball fell to an unmarked Farai Vimisai, who shot way off target with keeper Roy Mazingi at his mercy.
The hosts did not take the foot off the pedal as they threatened again, two minutes later, through young Innocent Mucheneka, who turned William Ngonya inside out on the edge of the box before belting a screamer, which was bravely fisted away by Mazingi.
The match then became a see-saw affair that kept the fans on the edges of the seats with Chapungu almost racing into the lead in the 35th minute after Tavarwisa left right-back Sibelo in a heap only for his cross to be scooped out for a corner by Boriwondo with Chitora waiting to stab home.
The home side started the second half in businesslike mood and could have drawn first blood five minutes after the breather had it not been for the brilliance of Mazingi, who pushed out Boriwondo’s dipping free kick over the bar.
With the hosts pushing forward for a breakthrough, the airmen could have surged ahead in the 76th minute after another fine performance by Tavarwisa that saw him releasing an onrushing Phillip Marufu, who blazed over the bar from close range with the airmen’s technical bench already celebrating.
Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino then drew the ire of a handful of their supporters when he pulled out livewire Tavarwisa for an ineffective Patrick Khumbula.
Hwange then grabbed the all-important goal and defended for dear life until the final whistle.
Hwange goalkeepers’ coach Chenjerayi Dube was a relieved man after the hard fought victory.
“The visitors came determined to defend and frustrate us, but fortunately we found our rhythm in the second half and got the important goal. We’re playing well and hope to do well in our next match against Buffaloes in Mutare,” said Dube.
Nyikadzino conceded defeat after the match and attributed the defeat to a moment of sloppiness by his defenders.
“We had played well, but my defenders momentarily slept on duty and we got punished. I would also like to pay tribute to the match referee for a sterling effort worth mentioning. Even the free-kick we conceded was correctly awarded; no complaints at all on overall officiating,” Nyikadzino said.
Online Reporter