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Manica Diamonds . . . . . . . . . (0) 2
Yadah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
MANICA Diamonds overpowered Yadah to progress to the next round Chibuku Super Cup at Vengere yesterday afternoon
Forceful striker Farai Mugumwa led the Gem Boys resurgence in the second half as the Miracle Boys struggled to contain him. He scored in the 47th and 65th minute.
The match started at very slow pace with play restricted in the middle of the park with major highlight being the substitution of veteran defender and Manica Diamonds captain Temba Ndlovu due to injury.
Striker Nyasha Chintuli’s long-range shot outside the box was tipped over the bar by Yadah keeper Panashe Nyabunga and Manica failed to utilise the resultant corner.
Yadah’s first real attack on goal was to come in 29th minute when a Tinashe Mangami low shot inside the box went wide.
The Gem Boys came from the half-time break a rejuvenated side and striker Mugumwa picked the ball from the centre circle and made a mazy run before beating one marker and then curled a beautiful shot from the edge of the box to beat a diving Nyabunga.
Mugumwa was back again on the 65th minute when his shot inside the box beat a diving Nyabunga and hit the upright post and the rebound fell on his legs and he slotted his second goal into an empty net.
The Gem Boys could have scored more goals as they piled pressure on Yadah but failed to utilise the chances that came their way.
Manica Diamonds coach Johanisi Nhumwa was full of praise for his charges and said his target is to lift the Chibuku Super Cup.
“We played well today and we deserved to win. The last two games we played here we drew and denied wins by other circumstances but finally we won. It was just a matter of time. Just like every team it is also our target to win this tournament,” said Nhumwa.
Genesis Mangombe, the Yadah head coach, blamed complacency and fatigue for the defeat and said their focus is now on the league where they target a top eight finish.
“It was complacency that cost us. In the first half we tried to match them.
“In the second half we were second on the ball and failed to clear our lines. In a tournament, if you don’t score you lose it.
“I give credit to the boys for today’s effort because we travelled the same day of the match.
“Focus is now on the league and our target is to finish in top eight.”
Online Reporter