Sundaymail Editor
Moffat Mungazi in MUTARE
Black Rhinos ………………………… (1) 3
Tenax…………………………………….(0) 2
SEASONED forward Tawanda Nyamandwe grabbed the winner as Black Rhinos overpowered Tenax in a thrilling Castle Lager Premiership Soccer League tie at Sakubva Stadium yesterday.
Rhinos had twice surrendered the lead, but Nyamandwe ensured they wrapped up the match 18 minutes from time as he placed his effort beyond a ball-watching Phillip Makumi in goals for Tenax.
Eli Ilunga thrust Chauya Chipembere into the lead with a rising shot in the 40th minute after the opposition defenders failed to clear their lines.
Tenax returned from the breather rejuvenated and forced an equaliser nine minutes after the restart when Panashe Mutasa capitalised on a mix-up between Rhinos goalminder Blessing Mwandimutsira and his defender.
Mutasa dusted himself up to pounce on the ball and round off the ‘keeper immediately after being cautioned for simulation.
Ashwald Phiri connected an inviting Farai Banda delivery to hand Black Rhinos the advantage again in the 70th minute.
A minute later, Takunda Mapara restored parity following another blunder by Mwandimutsira as he fluffed a hapless-looking ball, before Nyamandwe struck as action immediately swung to the other end.
Black Rhinos coach Herbert Maruwa hailed his charges for emerging victorious in a close contest.
“I am happy we managed to wrap up the game and clinch victory.
“It is not easy surrendering the lead twice and go on to win the match.
“This was more like a derby between the two uniformed forces teams and Tenax gave us a tough game because they were hungry for maximum points after losing their previous game at home,” said Maruwa.
His counterpart Shadreck Mugurasave felt let down by his defenders.
“The way we conceded those goals was disappointing; we should have defended better.
“Our overall performance was not that bad and I feel we deserved a draw, but poor mistakes at the back proved costly.
“It is one of those sad things that happen on a bad day in football, but we look forward to rectifying that in our next match against Triangle.
“We might be forced to reshuffle our rearguard,” Magurasave said.
Online Reporter