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Ray Bande in Mutare
Manica Diamonds …………………………………………………………(2) 2
Yadah……………………………………………………………………………(0) 0
MANICA Diamonds kept their Top 4 hopes alive with a comfortable win over Yadah, who remain part of the relegation equation, in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Sakubva yesterday.
Brett Amidu scored two goals in the first-half to secure all points for Manica Diamonds who have been blowing hot and cold all season.
Amidu’s goals were scored in similar fashion in the 12th and 45th minutes.
In scoring both goals, Amidu took advantage of Yadah’s lapse in concentration and fired home from more than 12 yards.
Manica Diamonds’ combative midfielder Liberty Chakoroma gave an impressive performance after a lengthy period watching from the bench.
However, it was Manica Diamomds’ coach Jairos Tapera’s unsporting behaviour that also hogged the limelight for the hosts.
Referee Israel Nhevera was forced to send Tapera to the terraces for dissent in the 72nd minute.
As if that was not enough, Tapera took forever to leave the field as he took time to shake hands with his players and backroom staff together with the four MARS paramedics.
Meanwhile, Khama Billiat might have failed to find the target and pile pressure on the 2024 Castle Lager Premiership Golden Boot Award but his deft touches and flashes of brilliance did earn the admiration and respect of a handful of fans that turned up.
After the final whistle yesterday, Billiat’s tally remained at 12, trailing the leading goal scoerer Lynoth Chikuhwa by three goals with two rounds of league matches remaining before the curtain comes down on the season.
The 34-year-old Billiat, who recently came out of international retirement, has also provided nine assists for Yadah FC.
Billiat blended well with Blessed Ndereki, substitite Ryn Ncube in a fine display of an entertaining passing game.
Online Reporter