Sundaymail Editor
Sports Reporter
Herentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Cranborne Bullets . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
HERENTALS coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva was left relishing prospects of a top-four finish after watching his side dispatch a battling Cranborne Bullets at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
Second-half substitute Blessing Majarira headed home the only goal of the match five minutes from time after getting to the end of a brilliant cross by Tafadzwa Jimu.
Tinotenda Benza heaved a huge sigh of relief after the goal, as he had missed a penalty earlier in the match.
The win pushed Herentals to 44 points.
“It’s five games to go and the point gap on the log standings gives us a chance to finish the season in the top four,” said Mutiwekuziva.
“We want it and we will have to strongly contest for it and avoid any slip-ups.”
He praised his charges for their character, especially after missing a penalty.
Cranborne Bullets started the better side, making numerous raids into Herentals’ half, but their play in the final third was a big let-down.
Having been under pressure during the first 10 minutes, Herentals finally found their footing and looked destined to find the early breakthrough.
And that opportunity came as early as the 35th minute, when they were awarded a penalty after Chelsea Nyakope handled inside the box.
Benza stepped up, only to see his effort saved by Tatenda Makoni in goals for Cranborne Bullets.
Just as at the beginning of the match, Cranborne Bullets dominated the early stages of the second half, only to fizzle out and give Herentals the upper hand.
Mutiwekuziva took the first steps to ensure the win, when he brought in the trio of Blessing Majarira, Tafadzwa Jimu and John Zhuwao deep in the second half.
The tactical substitutions paid off, as Majarira headed in a Jimu cross to give Herentals their 11th win of the season.
Online Reporter