adminTawanda Mangoma Lowveld Correspondent
Triangle 2-1 How Mine
TRIANGLE FC finally remembered how to win when they got the better of visiting How Mine yesterday. It was the team’s third win of the season after they had beaten neighbours Chiredzi 3-1 and fellow Eastern Region side Buffaloes 5-1 in previous Premiership matches played at Gibbo Stadium. The win is expected to restore confidence in the Lowveld-based side’s players. Fans had in recent weeks shown impatience with coach Biggie Zuze.
Zuze’s future at the club had increasingly been threatened by poor results.
Triangle striker Richard Kawondera was yesterday’s hero after scoring a goal in each half before Timothy January scored the consolation for the visitors on 90 minutes.
Zuze said he was happy with the win and hoped his boys will maintain a fine run in the forthcoming fixtures.
“We played well and managed to collect three vital points at home. We have been playing well but goals were not coming and I am happy we managed to win. We are hoping that we are going to continue with the form when we play Bantu Rovers in our next match,” he said.
Zuze however decried the absence of some of his players due to injuries and suspension.
“We played a team which had many changes due to suspensions and injuries.The good thing is that players are catching up and adapting to the passing game I am trying to introduce,” he added.
How Mine head gaffer Philani Ncube said most of the referee’s decisions were against his side.
“I think the referee was not fair, most decisions went against my side, the second goal which Triangle scored was from an offiside position although the first goal was clear,” he said.
Triangle started the match on a strong footing and with just two minutes into the match the home fans were almost jerked off their seats after a Kawondera header off a Brian Juwayeyi cross sailed over the bar.
But the visitors refused to be cowed into submission after Kudakwashe Musharu failed to beat the hosts goalkeeper Ronald Mudimu from a close range shot.
Exciting midfielder Nhamo Lameck who was in fine form yesterday was not up to the task in the ninth minute after failing to connect home Kawondera’s pass.
In the 18th minute Lameck again embarked on a solo run from his own half before piling a scorcher that went wide.
The home side took the lead in the 26th minute through Kawondera after he was fed by Tatenda Tsuro.
How Mine who were pathetic in the first half almost equalised in the 32nd minute after January did well to beat his marker before crossing the ball to Musharu who headed wide.
How Mine made an injury induced substitution in the 34th minute introducing Godfrey Nguwodzawo for Thembani Masuku.
In the 40th minute Blessing Chimwamuchere overlapped before whipping a fine cross but Felix Kutswatuka headed wide.
How Mine returned for the second half a far much better side mounting fierce raids but they lacked precision in front of goal.
January was found wanting in the 57th minute after failing to direct home a clear cut chance from close range.
On 78 minutes Kawondera made it 2-0.
How Mine ensured a tense finish after January reduced arrears in the 90th minute.
Triangle managed to hang onto their lead that resulted in wild cheers from the home fans.
Teams
Triangle FC: R P Tonha, B Chimwamuchere, W Mapfumo, T Chipinza, C Makoto, T Tsuro, B Juwayeyi (61st minute H Bakacheza), R Kawondera (90th minute to Chirambamuriwo), F Kuswatuka (75th minute M Muchineripi), N Lameck
How Mine: E Mazarura, M Kadzola, B Dube, G Banda, G Magariro, E Muzanenhamo (70th minute Mandiranga), H Masuku (60th minute West Acre) M Mupera, K Musharu, T January, T Masuku (Godfrey Nguwodzawo 34th minute).
Online Reporter