Harare City boost survival hopes

Lovemore Kadzura in RUSAPE

Black Rhinos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)

Harare City  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 2

Harare City improved their survival hopes when they came from behind to clinch a 2-1 victory over Black Rhinos at Vengere Stadium yesterday.

Rhinos, who had a subdued performance all afternoon, got their goal through a first-half header from Gareth Madhake, while City secured maximum points, courtesy of goals from Stanley Masukuta and Emmanuel Ziocha.

The visitors were quick to settle and launch numerous raids at the hosts’ goal.

Their first real threat came in the 13th minute, when striker Wilfred Muvirimi let loose a powerful shot from the edge of the box, but his effort got pushed for a corner by Rhinos goalkeeper Blessing Mwandimutsira.

The City strike force was guilty of failing to use chances that came their way soon after, with Muvirimi, Obert Tafira and Stanley Masukuta found wanting upfront.

Surprisingly, it was Rhinos who would find the breakthrough, when they capitalised on the only real chance that came their way during the first stanza.

Defender Gareth Madhake’s flashing header off a Denzel Mutudza corner-kick beat Kelvin Shangwa in goals for the home team just after the 25-minute mark.

That was how the half ended.

In the second half, City continued to pile up pressure on Rhinos, and five minutes after restart, they found the equaliser.

Masukuta, who dispossessed a slow Steady Mudzengere, raced towards goal and let loose a powerful shot that flew past Mwandimutsira.

City were to seal their rare victory in the 63rd minute, when midfielder Emmanuel Zinyama set up Ziocha’s goal.

City coach Taurai Mangwiro was elated with the win, saying it will give them impetus to survive the chop.

“It’s a massive three points for us,” said Mangwiro.

“I don’t even remember the last time we won. It has been a difficult season for us. We are taking a different approach now and try to survive.

“I am happy with the contribution of Herbert Rusawo, David Kutyauripo and Elvis Chiweshe, who have joined our (technical) bench,” he said.

Black Rhinos coach Stanford ‘Stix’ Mutizwa blamed the loss on complacency.

“We scored early and relaxed,” said the Rhinos gaffer.

“Our second-half performance was not good and they capitalised on that.

“Playing teams that are fighting relegation is not easy; if you underrate them, they will surprise you.”