Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
RALPH KAWONDERA was once again on target, scoring his eighth goal of the season from the penalty spot as Herentals beat MWOS to keep up with the Premiership-leading pack.
The Herentals captain rolled down a penalty past MWOS goalkeeper Tedious Baye early in the first half and that eventually wrapped up the points for the Students at Ngoni Stadium.
The Eagles are one of the most inform teams in the league right now, and coach Paul Benza arrived in Norton with a clear strategy.
They asked the early questions, getting resistance though, from their hosts’ defence well-marshalled by Innocent Zambezi, Reginald Chinemo and Valentine Katsande, who had just received a US$400 cheque for winning the MWOS Fans’ Player of the Month for April.
MWOS appeared to be sustaining the pressure during Herentals’ early raids, but they couldn’t do anything when Dreamer Liyeto somehow ghosted and found himself face to face with Baye.
The latter then clipped him down to concede a penalty, which Kawondera bundled home to lift the Students to sixth with 22 points, just five behind leaders Hardrock.
It was a game that MWOS wanted to bag, especially after their spirited showing in a 2-2 draw with CAPS United three days earlier when they gallantly fought despite being a man short.
But the day belonged to Herentals, who managed the game after getting the goal.
“MWOS is a good team, and they were very solid,” said Herentals coach Benza.
“But credit to my players for their sharpness in all the departments.
“We threw several men in front as we looked for a goal, and we got one.
“We didn’t stay down, but kept on probing to ensure we secured the lead. We managed to do just that, and I am very happy.”
His MWOS counterpart, Lloyd Mutasa, felt the goal was avoidable had his boys retained a bit of concentration.
MWOS have been erratic thanks to their long list of injuries and suspensions, but they aren’t too far off the pace with only nine points separating them from top-of-the-table Hardrock.
“I think we had some fatigue and we also lapsed in concentration a bit when conceding that goal,” said Mutasa.
“Of course we have so many injured players. It was a good game which I think could have gone either way. But we live to fight another day.”
