adminSports Reporter
Black Mambas…………..0
Buffaloes……………….(0)1
BUFFALOES coach Timothy Masachi grabbed his first away victory since he became the head coach three months ago when his charges beat Black Mambas in a league match at Morris Depot yesterday. The Mutare side are poor travellers. They have only managed two away victories against Caps United and Motor Action early into the season.
However, yesterday a priceless goal from substitute Lloyd Katongomara in the 77th minute sealed the deal for the army side.
The two teams will clash again in the next Premiership assignment, the Mbada Diamonds Cup in a fortnight.
The Buffaloes coach said they hoped they would prevail again. “Our first half was poor but we regrouped at half time and had a better performance. We then managed to score. It is my first away win as we have just been winning at home. And I am really happy.
“We just want to keep working and add on points. We want to finish in the top eight. We also hope when we meet again it would be a repeat of what happened today”, said Masachi.
The uniformed forces clashed again in the first round of the Mbada Diamonds Cup last year. The soldiers progressed getting the better of the police team.
Black Mambas coach John “Toto” Ncube watched his team wilt after showing so much promise in the opening stages.
He says they will continue scrounging for points.
“We created a lot of chances but did not convert any. Our position is not safe but we are not really in the relegation zone. We just have to pick up points to be sure of survival.
“The team is playing well but struggling with finishing and we should work on that so that when we meet again we will do well,” said Ncube.
The match which was broadcast on SuperSport did not have much to exhibit after a blockbuster weekend which also had the Harare derby on display.
The hosts began asking some questions to the Buffaloes defence, but the match on a hot afternoon, was rather a big yawn.
Mambas midfielder Godknows Mangani watched in agony as his powerful shot after the half hour mark was saved by the Buffaloes ‘keeper.
Buffaloes Katongomara who came in for veteran Jacob Muzokomba in the second period caused some anxious moments and was later rewarded with a goal.
Mambas later on made some changes thrusting in the duo of Evans Gwekwerere who has been restricted to start from the bench and Luckson Kaisa.
But it was too late to yield something.
Teams
Black Mambas: T. Mateyaunga, P. Muswere, B. Nyahunzvi, P. Marazanyi, T. Chinungo, J. Mutambiranwa (N. Ncube 74th minute), G. Mangani, B. Chirimanzi, T. Rantokane (L. Chibwiro 74th minute), H. Chimutimunzeve (H. Chimutimunzveve 79th minute).
Buffaloes: B. Mwandimutsira, B. Mukwena, S. Nyauzima,T. Ndlovu, P. Chandisaita, P. Matizanadzo, L. Chakoroma (P. Tembani 63rd minute), T. Mareya, J. Muzokomba (L. Katongomara 46th minute), P. Mudau (K. Juwakinyu 75th minute), S. Sibanda.
Online Reporter