Sundaymail Editor
Ray Bande in Mutare
Cranborne Bullets……. (0)2
Black Rhinos …… …….(1) 1
MAN of the match Marlvern Hwata’s brace in yesterday’s encounter against Black Rhinos at Sakubva not only propelled a solid Cranborne Bullets to the top of the Chibuku Super Cup Group Three log standings, but left the race for a place in the next stage of the competition wide open.
It remains game on in Group Three where Rhinos spurned a chance to seal a quarter-final berth when they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of top-flight football new comers Cranborne Bullets.
After amassing seven points from the five rounds of group matches played so far, Chauya Chipembere could have booked a place in the quarter-finals if they had secured maximum points and taken their tally to an unassailable 10 points.
Yesterday’s result means that Rhinos remain second and two points behind fellow soldiers Cranborne Bullets who are now the log leaders with nine points.
Manica Diamonds and Tenax FC, who are playing their fifth round of league matches today, have four points apiece.
In yesterday’s match, Black Rhinos were first off the blocks and were duly rewarded for their efforts in the 36th minute when exciting Tawanda Macheke took advantage of a lapse in concentration by Cranborne teenage goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni and drilled home a rather weak shot that could have easily been saved had Makoni been alert.
Rhinos failed to hold on to their lead and Cranborne Bullets restored parity two minutes after the breather when Hwata tapped home from close range from a goalmouth melee.
There was another chance for Rhinos to restore their lead after Macheke did well to dispossess defender Bruce Homora in the box in the 54th minute and charged towards goal before releasing a blistering shot that was, however, parried to safety by Makoni.
Hwata ensured his team got the bragging rights in this battle of the army sides when latched onto the end of a beautiful pass from impressive Walter Sande and dribbled past a defender and the goalkeeper before placing the ball in a yawning net in the 81st minute.
Cranborne Bullets were reduced to 10 men when Christopher Charakupa was sent for an early shower by Rusape referee Brighton Chimene for a reckless challenge on goalbound Sande on the edge of the box with four minutes of regulation time remaining.
Black Rhinos gaffer Hebert Maruwa was left disappointed after his team conceded what he termed “silly goals”.
“This is not what I expected from the team. We played well, yes, but for us to concede those two silly goals was actually disappointing.
“However, we are still in contention. We will have to go back and prepare for the last round of group stage matches with the knowledge that we cannot afford complacency at any given stage of the match,” said Maruwa.
Cranborne Bullets coach Nisbert “Yabo” Saruchera was elated with the result.
“This was a good result for us. We came here with a win in mind and I am happy we got it.
“This actually widens our chances of progressing to the next stage of the competition and also boosts our confidence going into the last round of this Chibuku Super Cup competition,” Saruchera said.
Online Reporter