Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MUTARE Castle Lager Premiership side Manica Diamonds heaved a huge sigh of relief in their fight against relegation when they edged Triangle United by a solitary goal at Sakubva Stadium today.
No wonder their president Evans Kamombo could not hide his joy after the final whistle as he joined the fans in celebrating this very important triumph.
Both teams came close to opening the scoresheet but were guilty of squandering scoring opportunities in the early stages of the encounter.
Manica Diamonds could have surged ahead in the 27th minute Kapakwashe Chitukutuku found himself facing Triangle United goalkeeper Simbarashe Chinami, but the Gem Boys player, against all expectations and understanding, fired wide of target.
The first half ended with both teams regretting the missed scoring opportunities as they remained deadlocked nil all.
A semblance of determination was visible in the second half for both teams, far from the lethargic display that was witnessed in the first half when even the body language did not show the hunger typical of teams battling to evade the dreaded chop.
Manica Diamonds were finally rewarded for their efforts in the 73rd minute when Carlos Mavhurume tapped home from close range.
That is all that the home needed to open a four points gap between them and basement outfit – Triangle United FC.
Hebert ‘Jombano’ Maruwa thanked his players for applying all concepts taught in training.
“I think we are on the right path in our quest to evade relegation. The players did well in playing according to instructions,” said Maruwa, expressing confidence that his team will succeed in their fight against relegation.
“I am confident that if we continue on this path we will remain part of this league,” said Maruwa.
His opposite number, Genesis ‘Kaka’ Mangombe decried wasted scoring opportunities.
“I am disappointed by the result. We missed a lot of scoring opportunities and there is no way you can win a match while missing scoring opportunities like we did. I am very disappointed. I thought this was an easy match, one we could have easily won,” said Mangombe, who ironically dominated Manica Diamonds at Sakubva Stadium last year when Triangle United salvaged a point in a League encounter before beating the Mutare side in the chibuku Super Cup at the same venue.
