Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze, Tawah Munthali and Alberto Chamwadoro
HARDROCK kept the pressure on Castle Lager Premier Soccer League leaders Scottland yesterday, while CAPS United slipped further off the pace after another costly draw left their title hopes hanging by a thread.
Meanwhile, Highlanders produced one of the best performances of the weekend, overcoming three weeks without training to beat MWOS 2-1.
Hardrock maintained second place and kept the pressure on Scottland with a 2-0 victory over Chicken Inn in Bulawayo.
Wilfred Madzungu broke the deadlock before Tinashe Mashaireni came back to haunt his parent club with a late second to secure another important win for the title hopefuls.
TelOne earn rare away win
TelOne secured only their third win of the season after a 2-1 away victory over Simba Bhora.
Eriya Mafirenyika opened the scoring before Nkosiyabo Masilela doubled the lead. Butholezwe Ncube grabbed a late consolation for the hosts.
CAPS slide continues
At Rufaro, CAPS United’s title ambitions suffered another damaging setback after they came from behind twice to salvage a 2-2 draw against struggling Triangle United.
The result stretched Makepekepe’s winless run to nine matches and left them nine points behind Scottland, piling more pressure on a side whose challenge is beginning to fade.
Yet coach Takesure Chiragwi insisted his side remain in the race.
Chawanangwa Kaonga rescued a point with a brace after Aaron Zeka and Steven Zhogi had twice put Triangle ahead.
Kaonga converted from the penalty spot after being brought down by goalkeeper David Bizabani before Zeka levelled for the visitors.
Triangle stunned the home crowd shortly after the restart when Wallace Magalane failed to deal with a routine ball, allowing Zhogi to tap into an empty net.
The mistake visibly affected Magalane, who broke down in tears as teammates consoled him on their way to the dressing room, while frustrated supporters called on Chiragwi to replace him.
Stephen Odai took over after the break.
CAPS continued to press and finally drew level three minutes from time when Kaonga bundled home after Bizabani spilled the ball, although Triangle protested that their goalkeeper had been fouled.
Triangle stand-in coach Alexio Sigion welcomed a valuable point in his side’s battle against relegation.
Bosso overcome disruption
At Ngoni Stadium, Highlanders shrugged off three weeks without training to beat MWOS 2-1 and stretch their unbeaten run to four matches.
After soaking up early pressure, Bosso struck with their first effort on target in the 40th minute when Isaac Ngoma split the defence with a through ball for Never Rauzhi to finish.
MWOS equalised in the 70th minute when Andrew Mbeba inadvertently turned David Ndeunyema’s long throw into his own net.
Mbeba made amends 10 minutes later, delivering the free-kick that Ngoma headed home to seal Highlanders’ seventh win of the season.
Mandava turns on Luphahla
FC Platinum’s home woes deepened after another late collapse against FC Hunters sparked an angry backlash from supporters, who turned on coach Joel “Dubai” Luphahla following a 1-1 draw at Mandava Stadium.
The result extended FC Platinum’s run to three home matches without a win and left frustrated supporters openly questioning Luphahla’s future. In an ugly post-match scene, and contrary to tradition, Luphahla and his players were unable to salute the fans.
Instead, a furious crowd chased the beleaguered coach away, chanting that they no longer wanted him at the club.
FC Platinum took the lead in the 21st minute after Trevor Bhunu’s cross found Garikai Dematsika, who was brought down inside the box by Junior Meya.
A visibly disappointed Luphahla admitted his side had paid dearly for a defensive lapse and acknowledged growing frustration among the club’s supporters.
