adminLiberty Dube in Mutare
Buffaloes…………………………………………(1)1
Chicken Inn…………………………………………0A PRICELESS goal by midfielder Tawanda Mareya was enough to ease pressure off army side Buffaloes in a lukewarm Castle Lager Premiership match against Chicken Inn at Sakubva yesterday.
Mareya struck in the seventh minute to hand Buffaloes a win they desperately needed in order for them to remain in the comfort zone and they rightly did that at the expense of the “Gamecocks”, who struggled for composure all day.
Chicken Inn missed the services of steely defender, Felix Chindungwe and midfielder, Danny Phiri, who were in Harare for Warriors duty.
Buffaloes showed urgency from the first minute and played purposeful football despite failing to convert a glut of chances that came their way.
The menacing Buffaloes’ troops got the solitary goal after Lloyd Katongomara’s shot was blocked by the busy Chicken Inn goalkeeper, Liberty Chirava, before the unmarked and well-positioned Mareya placed into to the net.
Chicken Inn’s frantic search for an equalizer in the first half failed to produce positive results, although exciting former Zimbabwe international and Motor Action midfielder, Clemence Matawu showed some touches of his old self.
Buffaloes thwarted all attempts with Prosper “Zhakie” Matambanadzo and Themba Ndlovu resolute all day.
In the 40th minute, Buffaloes wasted a clear chance when they were awarded a free-kick just outside the visitors’ box when Jacob Muzokomba was brought down by Zephania Ngodzo.
Stephen Sibanda’s effort hit the upright with Chirara a beaten man. In the 50th minute, an unmarked Stephen Sibanda’s shot hit the woodwork after being fed by Muzokomba.
Sibanda was later substituted to pave way for Admire Dzumbunu in the 64th minute. Kuda Mahachi attempted to score in the 75th minute but his attempt went over the bar.
Online Reporter