Online Reporter
Oscar Rusenga in Triangle
Triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Manica Diamonds…………………………………….. . . . . (0)1
TRIANGLE had to endure a career-ending injury to goalkeeper Hamilton Makainganwa, a saved penalty and a goal conceded at the death at Gibbo yesterday.
A dramatic late strike from Bret Amidu finally brought to an end Manica Diamonds’ six game drawing streak, sealing a gritty 1–0 away win over struggling Triangle United in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash.
But the story of the afternoon was written in the opening minutes, in horror and heartbreak.
The Triangle goalkeeper Makainganwa suffered a gruesome leg break after a nasty collision with Manica striker Tinotenda Musariranwa, who was shown a straight red card.
The visibly emotional Musariranwa left the pitch in tears, and both teams appeared rattled in the immediate aftermath.
Despite being a man down for over 85 minutes, the visitors showed grit and cohesion, taking control of the match early and dictating the tempo. Skipper Farai Banda should have opened the scoring before the half-hour mark but missed a sitter, blasting over from close range.
Triangle, with a numerical advantage, created chances, but failed to capitalise, a continuing theme reflecting why they have scored just nine goals in 13 games.
In a bid to shift momentum, coach Genesis Mangombe introduced Ali Sadiki and Joel Munsaka soon after the restart. The latter nearly made an instant impact in the 51st minute, sending a volley inches wide as the home fans rose in anticipation.
But Triangle’s inability to finish, and a heroic performance from Manica keeper Tedious Baye, kept the Gem Boys alive.
Baye made several critical saves and stood tall again in the 58th minute when referee Kwanele Manenda pointed to the spot after David Chipo was adjudged to have handled inside the box.
Thabani Kamusoko stepped up but fluffed his lines, his tame penalty easily saved by Baye to the dismay of the home crowd.
The sucker punch came four minutes from time. A blistering counterattack saw Charles Teguru turn his marker on the left and square for Amidu, who calmly slotted past substitute keeper Prince Mujuru to seal all three points.
A dejected Mangombe admitted his side lacks the depth and quality needed to survive.
“We have a lot of work to do to survive the chop. We don’t have depth in our squad and even if you want to make a substitution you cannot do it because you are limited. We are working on beefing up our squad. We were not supposed to lose this game at all costs, but we lacked maturity and depth,” he said.
Manica coach Jairos Tapera, whose side had failed to score in their previous three outings, was visibly relieved at the final whistle.
Triangle: Hamilton Makainganwa (Prince Mujuru 10’), Jayden Watyoka, Carlos Musimwa, Arnold Mawadza, Blessing Chiota, Reginald Ngazima (Elton Njini 80’), Thabani Kamusoko, Kevin Kanganga (Ali Sadiki 47’), Munashe Bamara (Aaron Zeka 80’), Witness Shava, Vincie Mero (Joel Munsaka 47’)
Manica Diamonds: Tedious Baye, Farai Banda, David Chipo, Lawrence Mhlanga, Lawrence Masibera, Nigel Mpinduki, Rainsome Pavari, Bret Amidu, Tinotenda Musariranwa, Charles Teguru, Emmanuel Paga (Clive Dzingai 80’)
