Chronicle Editor
Tobias Mandoreba, Hwange Correspondent
Hwange 1-0 Herentals
Chipangano bounced back to winning ways in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer league after prevailing over visiting Herentals FC, thanks to an own goal by defender Christian Nyatondo in the 20th minute to leave the passionate home fans a relieved lot after the final whistle at the Colliery Stadium yesterday.
A treacherous freekick by young Claivert Chuma saw Nyatondo deflecting the ball past his goalkeeper in an attempt to clear.
Impressive goalkeeper Tafadzwa Chikosi could not prevent the goal as it caught him by surprise as he had an impressive afternoon in goal for The
Students.
Going into the match, the coalminers had lost to Caps (home) and Triangle (away) to leave the Chipangano fans worried and looking over their shoulders from a relegation angle.
Chipangano were quick off the blocks and had two good chances in the opening 10 minutes that were smothered by Chikosi, who was a barrier between Hwange and registering a rugby scoreline yesterday afternoon.
Herentals’ first chance came on the quarter hour mark through a toe-poked freekick from the edge of the box by ageless Herentals owner Innocent Benza which found Nedrick Madeya positioned well for a fine save.
Hwange then pressed forward and were duly rewarded with the Nyatondo own goal.
Burly striker Pritchard Mpelele thought he had grabbed a second for Hwange 10 minutes from half time but his goal was ruled out for an infringement during the build up by impressive Bulawayo referee Allen Bhasvi.
The second half was a livelier affair as both teams traded punches but both goalkeepers were in top form.
Chikosi denied James Chivasa, Canaan Nkomo and Shepard Gadzikwa from point blank range while Madeya was also equal to the task on what seemed like obvious goal scoring opportunities that fell to Ali Maliseko (twice) and Davison Muroiwa.
There was drama five minutes into stoppage time when Maliseko thought he had finally got the much needed equaliser for Herentals but his effort was ruled out after second assistant referee Sibonokuhle Sibanda raised the flag for offside much to the chagrin of the Students technical bench.
The compact defensive partnership of veteran Godwin Goriyati and Lucas Sibanda also worked in Hwange’s favour as the duo combined well to defend for dear life through repelling Herentals attacks.
Hwange goalkeepers’ coach Edmore Sibanda was happy after the game and said the boys played according to instructions while his opposite number Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva bemoaned lack of precision in front of goal and also a slow start to the game.
Hwange FC: Nedrick Madeya; Kelly Shiyandindi; Lucas Sibanda; Gift Gumpo; Godwin Goriyati; Solomon Sithole; Pritchard Mpelele (Courage Sibanda 84th minute); Shepard Gadzikwa; Canaan Nkomo ( Brian Mlotshwa 67th minute); James Chivasa (Brighton Makopa 67th minute); Claivert Chuma (Lloyd Mutoma 55th minute)
Herentals FC: Takudzwa Chikosi; Blessing Phiri; Christian Nyatondo; Godfrey Mukambi (Milton Chimedza 46th minute); Davison Muroiwa; Zibusiso Ruguchu; Blessing Majarira (Avi Mataranyika 80th minute); Tafadzwa Jim (Ali Maseko 46th minute); Kudakwashe Chitavire; Innocent Benza (John Zhuwawo 46th minute); Edgar Mhungu (Clemence Gobvu 53rd minute) — @tobymandox
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