Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HARDROCK claimed a 2-1 victory over Ngezi Platinum Stars after scoring a late winner in an entertaining Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash at Baobab Stadium to reduce the gap between them and Scottland to four points.
The visitors made the perfect start, taking the lead in the third minute. Sambulo Simelane found an unmarked Prince Dube inside the box, and the Zimbabwe international made no mistake, scoring his third goal in four matches.
Ngezi’s pressure eventually paid off three minutes before half-time.
Farai Madhanhaga capitalised on a loose ball inside the penalty area after Hardrock failed to clear a cross, firing home to restore parity.
The visitors found the winner in the closing stages.
Dube held up the ball well before picking out Takwara, who turned inside the box and fired a shot that crept into the bottom corner to seal all three points.
Ngezi coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva admitted his side had not defended well enough.
“We failed to collect maximum points at home, but it’s part of the game.
“It was just a bad day in the office for us. We should have defended their goals better, especially the first and the late second goal,” he said.
Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu praised his players for another important away victory.
“It was a very difficult game with good intensity from both teams.
“This is our second consecutive away win, and it shows the momentum we are building.
“Beating Ngezi at home is never easy because they are a very consistent team, especially on their own ground.
“We did well to score the winning goal late in the game,” said Kaindu.
At the Heart, Herentals showed they have the clout to fight on after leaving it late to beat relegation candidates FC Hunters and move back into the top-four in a tight Premier Soccer League match at the Heart yesterday.
The match looked well destined for a draw before Herentals earned a penalty after an FC Hunters defender handled a goal-bound header from Milton Chimedza.
Herentals ended the match a man short after Joseph Chitavira received a second yellow for a professional foul.
“I am very happy that the boys continued to fight. That’s the hallmark of our philosophy,” said Benza.
“I would like to salute the boys. It was a tough match, but we managed to earn the win at the end. That’s impressive.”
At Sakubva, Manica Diamonds snatched three crucial points in their fight against relegation when they edged an equally struggling Triangle United by a solitary goal at Sakubva yesterday.
Both teams came close to opening the score-sheet but were guilty of squandering scoring opportunities in the early stages of the encounter.
Manica Diamonds were finally rewarded for their efforts in the 73rd minute when Carlos Mavhurume tapped home from close range.
That is all what the home needed to open a four point gap between them and basement outfit — Triangle United.
In a post-match interview, Hebert “Jombano” Maruwa thanked his players for applying all the 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.
He expressed 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 as we did. I am very disappointed. I thought this was an easy match, one we could have easily won,” said Mangombe.
At Wadzanayi, Agama shocked Simba Bhora 2-1 in a game that will go a long way in fighting relegation.
At Luveve, Bulawayo head coach John Nyikadzino was a relieved man as he watched his side bounce back to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over ZPC Kariba on Sunday afternoon.
It was Melikhaya Ncube who found the back of the net in the ninth minute.
Nyikadzino said he was happy that they managed to utilise the chance that they got earlier on in the match.
“Firstly, I want to convey my sincere condolences to Highlanders Football Club, the bereaved families, Highlanders supporters, friends, and the football community at large. These are difficult times for us,” said Nyikadzino.
His opposite number, Expense Chitukutuku, said: “My guys played a good game and Bulawayo Chiefs were lucky to score in the ninth minute. They defended very well and lost it by not creating a lot of chances in the second half. This was a different ball game from Highlanders.”
