adminAGELESS forward Lazarus Muhoni rose from the bench to inspire a Black Rhinos comeback as the gritty soldiers plucked a point from the jaws of defeat in an exciting Castle Lager Premier League match at the Colliery yesterday.
The youthful Hwange side was heading for their first win of the season courtesy of a beautifully taken free-kick by improving left back Craven Banda on the stroke of half time.
But Muhoni, who was introduced in the 54th minute together with Martin Mine had something special on those seemingly never tiring legs as he created the goal that was banged home by Lot Chiunga three minutes from time.
Rhinos’ display yesterday demonstrated that their armoury is fully loaded and they seem to mean business after spending four years in the unfashionable world of Division One football. On the other hand the youthful home side still has a lot to prove as they put up a brave performance against more experienced adversaries only to stumble at the death of the game.
The home side controlled the game in the early stages with their first chance to break the deadlock coming in the sixth minute after striker Gilbert Zulu sent in a delicate cross meant for on rushing Isaac Masame which was however, smoothered by experienced goalkeeper Britto Gwere.
Moments later the coalminers came back knocking but midfielder Farai Vimisai blasted wide from close range with Gwere badly exposed.
The soldiers then put on their full war combat in the 20th minute when their most outstanding player of the afternoon Brian Muzondiwa embarked on a mazy run on the right flank before laying the ball on for Wonder Kapinda who disappointed with a tame effort.
In a swift counter attack that followed the exciting Masame’s blistering shot was punched back into play by Gwere as the game livened up.
The visitors then took the initiative as the opening half wore on but they found the Hwange defence, well marshaled by captain Gerald Ndlovu in no mood for favours.
On the stroke of half-time Hwange then raced into the lead through Banda after Zulu was fouled on the edge of the box by defenders Shadreck Jimu and James Munkombwe as he went for the kill.
The double substitution by Rhinos coach Nesbert “ Yabo” Saruchera nine minutes after the breather when Muhoni and Mine were thrown into the fray for Trust Machacha and Ndabezinhle Ndlovu respectively tilted the game in favour of Rhinos as they started to push forward for an equaliser. In the 70th minute Muhoni beat Ndlovu near the corner flag and sent in a defence splitting cross which was however, wasted as Brighton Mugoni directed his header way off target. Five minutes later Masame had the best chance to stretch Hwange’s lead when he found himself unmarked in the box but Gwere again summoned all his reflexes to parry his effort for a corner kick.
Unfortunately that was Masame’s last contribution as he was shockingly substituted 10 minutes from time for young Pritchard Mpelele.
The visitors then laid siege on the Hwange half with some incessant pressure which proved too much for the hosts three minutes from the end when Chiunga slotted home to leave the drum beating home fans deflated, stunned and speechless.
Hwange coach Nation Dube however, praised his youthful side despite throwing away the lead at the end.
“It was a tough game but I think the boys just lacked concentration momentarily which led to the equaliser. They are still learning but their play in these two games is quite pleasing though there is room for improvement.” Dube said. Saruchera was also satisfied with the point. I am happy with my boys’ performance as we created more chances than Hwange he said.
Online Reporter