adminclimb to third position on the table when they beat Harare City in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Rufaro yesterday.
Chinowawa’s 72nd minute strike against run of play gave Buffaloes the last laugh after the hosts had threatened to boycott the match earlier on following a clash of kit colours, which led to a 30-minute delay in the kickoff.
The visitors had to change into white shirts and were forced to buy grey stockings which looked awkward on red shorts.
Buffaloes coach Saul Chaminuka accused the hosts of playing mind games.
“Maybe it was a mistake on our part but I know Harare City wear blue and yellow at home and that is the reason we had felt comfortable coming with a red kit that we were sure would not clash with theirs. I think it was a plan to frustrate us but it didn’t work,” said Chaminuka.
City enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession but were punished for their wastefulness after missing a host of opportunities that came their way.
Midfielder Silas Songani had a bright afternoon, creating most of the chances, including a 23rd minute spirited run from the centre that almost put City ahead.
Songani outwitted three defenders before setting up Felix Kuswatuka who responded with a powerful shot that found the back of the nets but first assistant referee Tapfumanei Mutengwa had his flag up for off-side.
Buffaloes, who didn’t get clear chances all along, were given the upper hand when referee Pedzisai Chadya pointed to the penalty spot following a handball by Songani.
The visitors spot kick specialist Chinowawa stepped up to send the goalkeeper Maxwell Nyamupangedengu the wrong way for his third goal of the season.
Sunshine Boys coach Bigboy Mawiwi blamed his side’s poor finishing for the defeat.
“We created chance after chance and in football you need to convert those opportunities if you are to win a game. We dominated for longer periods but we couldn’t
score. Sometimes you need lucky and I feel the penalty decision was a bit harsh on us,” said Mawiwi.
His opposite number Chaminuka was on cloud nine as his side stormed into the top three in the log table with 16 points, one behind second-placed Dynamos with that victory.
Buffaloes have won their last four games starting with the 2-1 victory over Shabanie Mine, which was followed by wins over Chicken Inn, Motor Action and City. Chaminuka praised his charges for the crucial away win.
“My boys played according to the strategy. We knew Harare City is a side that likes to play the ball around so the first thing was to diffuse them.
“There were both positives and negatives in our side and the good thing is that we were getting to their goal but we tended to be more elaborate when we needed just to play simple,” said Chaminuka.
Teams
Harare City:
M. Nyamupangedengu, M. Nyenye, P. Titus, W. Nyamutsaka (B. Tuwaya, 50th minute), E. Tapera, R. Uchena, R. Dongo (N. Ziwini, 62nd minute), S. Songani, R. Maketo, G. Nguwodzawo, F. Kuswatuka (C. Muvuti, 72nd minute)
Buffaloes:
H. Bere, D. Chinowawa, J. Jambo, T. Ndlovu, M. Wayerera, A. Patrick, L. Katongomara (P. Mudau, 67th minute), N. Musvipa, P. Matizanadzo, R. Mwenga, M. Dumbura (T. Philip, 76th minute).
Online Reporter