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Godfrey Nguwodzawo drew first blood 39 seconds into the match after getting to the end of a Silas Songani cross. Songani won the ball in the centre circle and charged down the right flank before releasing a cross for the on running Nguwodzawo.
Despite an early lead, Harare City struggled for much of the first half as they were unable to penetrate a resolute Hwange defence, but they looked promising in the early exchanges as they dominated both territory and possession.
Songani came close to doubling City’s lead in the 11th minute when he burst on to Nathan Ziwini’s through ball but his shot missed the target by a few inches.
Hwange settled in the game and started to probe and came close when young Tonisani Sibelo embarked on a burst forward, beating three City defenders in the process, but directed his shot wide of the far post as they were looking for an equaliser.
The first half ended with Hwange dominating the proceedings but the goal remained elusive with Malvern Longwe proving a handful for City defenders.
Trymore Nyamadzawo doubled the lead for Harare City eight minutes from the breather after he headed home a corner kick from Songani as Hwange defenders failed to close in on him.
With City still in celebratory mood, Daniel Kamunhenga reduced the arrears for Hwange capitalising on some sloppy defending and directed his shot past Nomore John who was in goals for Harare City.
Hwange threw everything they could to get the equaliser but were either wasteful or the goalkeeper was equal to the task and in the end City registered another crucial victory.
Harare City coach Bigboy Mawiwi was happy with the three points and felt his tactical approach won the game for his side.
Hwange manager Tennant Chilumba blamed the defeat on poor finishing and also missed the services of Rodwell Chinyengetere who is in South Africa for a trial stint with Bidvest Wits.
After the defeat Hwange dropped to 10th place on the log with 17 points and maintained their winless run on the road.
Meanwhile, Premiership leading goalscorer Nelson Maziwisa shrugged off an injury and rose from the bench to equalise for visitingShabanie Mine at the stroke of full time in a league match at Motor Action Sports Club yesterday.
Maziwisa who struck his 11th goal of the season converted a penalty after he was fouled in the box by Mighty Bulls defender
Godfrey Moyo in the 89th minute and the striker calmed his nerves and scored from the spot to break the hearts of Motor Action who thought they had wrapped up the match.
Motor Action defender Morris Kadzola had given the hosts a lead in the 66th minute when he sent a perfect header home off a corner from Thembani Masuku.
The former Chicken Inn defender was later stretchered off the pitch with an injury, leaving the Mighty Bulls exposed at the back and it was a matter of when, not if, the visitors would equalise.
His replacement Dominic Mukandi and Moyo were jittery and at the end the hosts paid dearly.
It was really a dramatic finish to the match which was a big yawn in the opening period before Motor Action regrouped in the second half and launched a strong attack.
A dejected Joey Antipas said his players lost concentration and allowed the visitors to come back to life.
Shabanie coach Luke Masomere was happy to pick up a point on the road. — Harare Bureau.
Online Reporter