Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
MWOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 2
GENESIS MANGOMBE was yesterday walking with a spring in his step after guiding a second club — Triangle — into the Chibuku Super Cup final, just two years after his success in the competition with Dynamos.
Mangombe’s men silenced the MWOS crowd at Ngoni Stadium when they advanced into the final via a goal either side of half-time by Witness Shave and Menford Mudzimu.
Although Dynamos retained the cup in 2024 under Lloyd Chigowe, Mangombe had assembled the squad before he was sacked and swiftly moved to Scottland, who were then in the Northern Region Soccer League.
Yesterday, the former Yadah Stars gaffer became the first coach to book a spot in the 2025 cup final.
Mangombe was naturally excited with his feat.
“I think plotting cup games is one of my strengths; when you go for such fixtures, you need to be someone who is willing to make experiments and take risks,” he said.
He made seven changes to the regular starting team, opting to go for experience and throwing in more senior players.
And from the onset, the visitors appeared composed and unfazed by MWOS’ speed nor the intimidating atmosphere at Ngoni.
MWOS, on their part, went in search of an early goal, putting Triangle under siege in the second minute when Billy Veremu flighted into the box a perfect cross from the right wing, only for Malvern Mudzuka to miss the target.
A minute later, Arther Banda attempted to head home another cross from Nigel Matinha, but the forward missed once again, fluffing what could have been a perfect opportunity.
On the other end, MWOS goalkeeper Martin Mapisa’s first real taste of action came in disappointment as Elton Njini lured him off the line before setting up Shave to easily hit the back of the net.
Despite creating several chances and dominating in open play, MWOS lacked urgency while poor finishing also cost them.
The Punters still had the upper hand in terms of possession and territory despite trailing 0-1 at the breather. But Mangombe felt their early goal helped them to settle.
“Our plan was to get early goals and then start to defend as a unit, ensuring that we do not leave any gaps for them to penetrate us and I am happy that the boys were able to respond very well,” said Mangombe.
“However, in the first half, we were not as perfect as we wanted, so we talked to the boys at half-time, hence an improved second half, where we then got a bonus goal.
“We had to bench some of our usual players today, bringing in others whom we felt were the perfect candidates for such a game and also to allow them to rest as we continue to fight relegation in the league.”
With 10 minutes remaining, Triangles’ substitutes masterminded the Lowveld side’s second goal, building up from Ali Sadiki in the middle, connecting to Tawanda Chantuluka before Mudzimu smoothly finished it off.
MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa could not hide his disappointment and felt it was his team’s worst performance of the season.
“This was a very disappointing performance, and I am very sorry to our fans and stakeholders; they have been behind us all this long, only to be made to witness such a poor performance today,” Mutasa said.
“After falling out of the PSL (Premier Soccer League) race, we looked forward to winning this cup at least and we had done well from the onset, but maybe it just was not meant to be.”
Mutasa said the chances they created in the first minutes should have been utilised.
“In the first minutes we created chances, but we could not punish the opponents, only for us to concede soft goals that could have been avoidable,” he said.
“We just lost the plot; the passing was horrible. It appeared the boys had tired legs because it just wasn’t looking good. I do not know what happened because when we were in camp, the boys showed a lot of zeal, but once we stepped on the pitch everything changed.”
This is the second time that Triangle have reached the final of the tournament after winning the cup in 2018.
