Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Herentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
GreenFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
IT took seven matches, but Tinotenda Benza finally found the back of the net, just when Herentals needed him the most.
On a sun-drenched Friday at Rufaro, the Herentals skipper stepped up and led from the front, scoring five minutes before halftime to secure a gritty 1-0 win over GreenFuel in a tense Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter.
It was a long-awaited goal for Benza, who had endured a frustrating spell in front of goal this season.
But his finish on the day was anything but rusty, latching onto a teasing cross into the box, cushioning it expertly, and calmly converting from close range.
The result lifted Herentals into the top half of the log standings and, depending on the Premier Soccer League’s verdict on their abandoned Easter Monday clash against Kwekwe United, could see them rise into the top five if awarded a 3-0 result.
In their hunt for only a second win of the campaign, Herentals played with hunger and intent from the first whistle.
They forced the issue early, with Zibusiso Ruguchu stinging the gloves of Ashley Rayners in the 8th minute with a well-struck long-range effort.
GreenFuel weathered the storm and nearly stole the lead in the 12th minute when Godknows Mutina’s curling shot from the edge of the area crashed against the upright.
But it was Herentals who eventually edged ahead before the break thanks to Benza’s cool finish, breaking not only the match’s deadlock, but also his personal goal drought.
The second half saw GreenFuel pushing hard for a leveller. Substitute Collins Dhuwa came close just two minutes in, forcing a sharp save from Herentals keeper Tinotendaishe Takarinda after a low cross from the right.
Despite their efforts, chances remained at a premium, and when Perfect Chikwende lined up a free-kick with ten minutes left, Takarinda was again up to the task acrobatically tipping the shot wide.
A relieved and smiling Herentals coach Paul Benza praised his charges’ resilience and welcomed both the win and his nephew Tinotenda’s breakthrough.
“I’m happy with the three points we collected, but what I’m really pleased about is that we managed to score something that had been evading us all season,” he said.
“This win keeps us in the hunt to better last year’s fifth-place finish. It gives us confidence going forward.”
GreenFuel coach Taurai Mangwiro was left frustrated by his side’s missed chances.
“I think we had opportunities to get something from this game, but we weren’t clinical. We’ve dropped crucial points again,” said Mangwiro.
“We need to be more decisive going forward.”
