Buffaloes beat Gunners

solitary goal by Michael Mageja earned Buffaloes maximum points in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie at Lafarge yesterday.
The visitors have perfected the art of playing very well away from home and probably have one of the best away records in this campaign.
They settled early and were clearly the better team and their goal, in the 40th minute when Mageja headed home from a corner, was due reward.
A good combination between Prosper Matizanadzo and Dananai Chinowawa fed Phillip Thembani, whose fierce drive was tipped over the bar by ‘keeper Clayton Dombo.
The resultant corner was taken by Thembani and Mageja connected with a flashing header.
Gunners had come close in the 33rd minute but Ishmael Lawe’s connection did not yield the goal they wanted.
Gunners were let down by the experienced Tapiwa Mangezi who had a poor game and failed to provide support to the young and energetic Tapiwa Dephistara.
Substitute Never Musvipa hit the upright for Buffaloes.
Buffaloes assistant coach, Sicho Masachi, said he was happy with the way his team battled for the win.
“All we needed was a goal and we managed to score one goal which we managed to defend until the final whistle,” Masachi said.
“The game was tough but we utilised our chance and that is what Buffaloes are good at.
“Three points away from home makes a big difference and we are very happy.
“We were just unlucky not to get two goals as we hit the post twice.
‘We now look forward to the Mbada Cup as we have all the support from Mutare,” Masachi said.
Chunga said it was just not their day.
“It was a good game we just need to work on our finishing and we will fight to the end.
“The tactical change was good and it brought some urgency in the attack,” Chunga said.
Teams
Gunners: C Dombo, W Kamudyariwo, M Muchenje, M Kunyarimwe, I Lawe, J Jangano, T Mangezi (Gondo 80th min), V Ndaba ( M Chiwara 83rd min), B Sande, T Dephistara, O Machingura.
Buffaloes: H Bere, D Chinowawa, M Mageja, P Matizanadzo, T Ndlovu, K Thembani (Chirere), M Wayerera, P Bamusi (Nkata 77th min), R Mwenga, S Muchabaya, P Thembani.