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Oscar Rusenga in Triangle
Triangle United . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
Manica Diamonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2) 3
MANICA Diamonds striker Fortune Binzi marked his return to Castle Lager Premier Soccer League action after a long injury lay-off with a perfect goal in yesterday’s encounter against Triangle at Gibbo.
Binzi who struck in the 36th minute now tops the league scoring charts where he is tied with Bulawayo Chiefs marksman Obriel Chirinda on nine goals, one shy of his initial season target of double figures.
The Gem Boys found their other goals through Brian Chikwenya with a first minute opener and Ralph Kawondera after 66 minutes.
Triangle got their consolation from veteran Russell Madamombe, four minutes from time.
The visitors got off the blocks in blistering fashion scoring straight from kick off.
Michael Tapera accelerated towards goal following a long ball from kick- off set up Chikwenya whose first time effort gave Triangle goalkeeper Matripples Muleya no chance.
There had been just 25 seconds of action when Chikwenya found the breakthrough.
Triangle looked out of sorts as Manica dominated all departments with their latest defeat resulting in more pressure on coach Thulani Sibanda. Binzi was however, always going to be a focus of attention given the way he has excelled this season.
And the lanky striker was outstanding in The Gem Boys attack, causing all sort of problems to Triangle’s defenders.
He underlined his return when heading home Manica Diamonds second goal.
Despite scoring what should be the league’s fasts goal so far, Chikwenya turned into some villain when he was sent off for a second bookable offence after 50 minutes.
Triangle failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage as Manica continued to dominate possession with Liberty Chakoroma and Kawondera winning the control of midfield.
Kawondera was rewarded for his work rate as he scored his fourth goal in three games in all competitions.
His latest goal was a beauty from more than 20 yards out.
Triangle were given a lifeline in the 72nd minute when referee Dirwai Quedsani awarded them a for an infringement.
Madamombe took responsibility for the kick but saw his effort saved by Manica goalkeeper Tedious Baye.
That was before Madamombe made some amends with his late consolation, after being set up by Kelvin Gwao.
Manica Diamonds assistant coach Tafadzwa Mashiri reserved some praise for Binzi.
“We are excited that Binzi returned and played very well.
“He got his name on the score sheet again and he had a very good overall performance and we wish him well going forward,” said Mashiri.
TEAMS:
Triangle: Matripples Muleya, Jameson Mukombwe (Tinashe Kabanda 46th min), Carlos Musimwa (Corey-Eli Black 80th min), Arnold Mawadza, Eriya Mafirenyika, Enock Karembo, Lucky Ndlela, Nobert Zingo (Newman Sianchali 39th min), Never Rauzhi, Wilson Mensah (Russell Madamombe 46th min), Migos Svinurai (Njabulo Ngwenya 65th min)
Manica Diamonds: Tedious Baye, Lawrence Masibera, Farai Banda, Tawanda Chisi, Kelvin Gwao, Liberty Chakoroma, Ralph Kawondera (Charles Teguru 77th min), Bret Amidu, Michael Tapera, Fortune Binzi (Tawanda Macheke 77th min), Brian Chikwenya
Online Reporter