adminPremiership soccer tie at Rufaro yesterday.
The Harare millers, who finished the match with 10 men, now have the ignominy of being the only team in the league yet to register a victory after the opening 10 matches this season.
Predatory forward Kuda Musharu scored the priceless goal for Monomotapa in the 48th minute when he headed in a free-kick whipped by Russell Madamombe from the right.
All hopes Blue Rangers had of rescuing the boring match evaporated when Crispen Dickson was shown a red card by referee Batsirayi Muchenje the 82nd for his second bookable offence.
The match was a dull encounter with both teams struggling with their game but it was Monomotapa who were happy at the end of the day after dominating some patches.
Monoz, who were thumped 5-1 by Hwange in their last match, were happy to grind the result despite being wasteful. In the opening half Monomotapa were virtually camped in the Blue Ribbon half but took turns to spoil the afternoon for the few fans by their awful shooting.
Tawanda Nyamandwe, Kuda Musharu and Hillary Mutambirwa missed chances while Blue Rangers’ Clive Boroma cleared from the line an attempt by Obey Mwerahari in the 27th minute.
Monomotapa goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi, who could have read a novel during the opening 30 minutes, got a taste of the action in the 32nd minute when he saved a firm header from Talent Munetsi. After the game, Monoz coach Taurai Mangwiro admitted that his charges failed to shine but he was happy with the win.
“I am glad for the three precious points although it was not in one of the most convincing fashions,” said Mangwiro.
Mangwiro said he had managed to convince his players to put behind them the thumping in Hwange.
“I told the players not to live in the past but to focus on the game at hand,” said Mangwiro.
He also believed that his team struggled to keep their form as they were missing some key players like Tapiwa Mangezi who was suspended.
While Mangwiro was at least glad with the win, his opposite number Misheck Chidzambwa was left searching for more clues than answers to a winning formula.
“The game was okay for us and it was almost evenly balanced but we conceded a soft goal. The team is gelling and it’s only a matter of time before we get a win,” said Chidzambwa.
The veteran coach also hinted that he could shop for players to beef-up his side during the transfer period.
Teams
Monomotapa: A. Mukandi, B. Mapfumo, H. Mugoniwa, T. Ngulube, T. Nyamandwe, O. Mwerahari, J. Mutambirwa, K. Machona, M. Mungombe, K. Musharu (M. Kawashu 60th minute), R. Madamombe
Blue Rangers: S. Maponga, P. Mazaranye, F. Mukaisa, E. Kopeni (E. Gwiliza 66th minute), M. Mabacho (P. Nyikadzino 83rd minute), N. Chazika, T. Munetsi, C. Dickson, C. Boroma, S. Hadede, T. Mapuraganda (N. Mukwezaramba 66th minute).
Online Reporter