Andrew
From Lovemore Kadzura in RUSAPE
Cranborne Bullets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
Ngezi Platinum Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
THEY may have sacked Benjani Mwaruwari but there was no immediate respite for Ngezi Platinum Stars.
The Mhondoro miners found themselves on the receiving end again after hosts Bullets snatched a late winner at Vengere Stadium.
Despite the game having been evenly balanced, Bullets somehow found a way to win at this venue, which is slowly turning into a fortress for the army side.
A 92nd-minute header by substitute Tadiwa Chibunyu made the difference and the three points will no doubt help the soldiers in their battle to avoid relegation.
The home side were the first to settle, and five minutes into the game, Bullets’ attacking midfielder Malvern Mudzuka threatened with a shot inside the box, which, however, went over.
In the 21st minute, midfielder Kudakwashe Chidonza’s long-range shot also missed the target.
A minute later, it was the visitors turn to trouble their hosts when fading star Denver Mukamba outwitted two markers just outside the box and released a powerful grounder, which goalkeeper Herbert Rusawo pushed out for a corner.
Mukamba, who showed some flashes of brilliance, fed Delic Murimba with a perfect pass from the right wing in the 35th minute but he shot wide.
In the 52nd minute, it was Bruno Mutigo’s turn to shoot wide after being set-up by Mukamba.
From then, Mukamba fizzled out of the game and was duly substituted.
The introduction of slippery forward Jarison Selemani for the home side changed the complexion of the game, as his runs on the left wing gave Ngezi some anxious moments.
In the 57th minute, Selemani went on a solo run, beat two markers before realising a pass to Malvern Mudzuka, whose resultant shot was, however, stopped by goalkeeper Nelson Chadya.
An 86th-minute header by Ngezi’s Leslie Kashitigu went off target as the visitors sought an elusive breakthrough.
Bullets’ never-die spirit duly paid off.
They won a free-kick just outside the box and Selemani’s effort was pushed for a corner by Chadya.
From the corner, Chibunyu was to rise the highest to direct the ball into the net to send his team and their band of fans into wild celebrations.
Bullets coach Nesbert ‘Yabo’ Saruchera was elated by his charges’ performance.
“The fighting spirit from the boys was so fantastic from the beginning right up to the final whistle.
“They fought very well. We are on the right track at the moment because we are playing to avoid relegation, and this result is important to us.
“The team is made up of youngsters and they are doing well against established sides,” said Saruchera.
Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi was disappointed for conceding late.
“We played so well, especially in the second half, and created good chances, but execution was poor. We conceded from a set-piece due to poor concentration.
“What is left now is to prepare for the next games.”
Online Reporter