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How Mine . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 (1)
Black Rhinos . . . . . . . . . . . . .0SUPER substitute Timothy January rose from the bench and propelled gold miners How Mine to the next round of the Mbada Diamonds Cup at Barbourfields yesterday.
January found his goal from a solo effort in the 69th minute. He had come on for the equally handful Nqobile Mpala in the 56th minute and proved to be just the right tonic head coach, Philani Ncube needed to subdue the soldiers.
“I am happy with the impact that January had, he came in with a positive mind,” said an elated How Mine coach Ncube.
The match started off with the two teams probing each other’s defence and as it progressed, the visitors, coached by Arthur Tutani began enjoying territorial advantage and asking too many questions around Ephraim Mazarura goal’s area.
The first real chance, however, came from the home team’s Simba Sithole who missed completely after being set up intelligently by veteran Mernard Mupera in the ninth minute.
Black Rhinos, not enjoying comfort in the league race, kept on coming searching for some silverware with Wilson Chakanyuka and rightback Jameson Mukombwe constant threats.
Their forays were, however, thwarted by an impressive Gilbert Banda, who commanded the final line like a true general. His partner, the seemingly ageless Herbert Dick, had a below par performance and almost presented Black Rhinos with an opener six minutes before halftime when he miscued his header that sent Lot Chiwunga through.
Chiwunga charged towards goal and as he prepared to go for the kill, Banda had closed in and deflected the ball for a corner kick.
In the second half, Ncube, proving to be a master planner, made some tactical changes in a bid to find the opener and his move paid dividends.
“They were the better side in the first half but we knew that they were bound to collapse and they did,” he said.
The introduction of January was just what the doctor ordered because he started terrorising the Black Rhinos defence and it was only a matter of time that the goal came.
Online Reporter