Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango, Zimpapers Sports Hub
TYMON Machope’s first-half brace fired Scottland to a 2-1 win over ZPC Kariba at Rufaro Stadium yesterday, a result that extended their winning run and pushed them to the top of the Premier Soccer League table.
Charles Munyanyi struck deep into stoppage time for the visitors, but the goal was little more than a consolation as Scottland collected a sixth straight league victory.
Their stay at the summit could be brief, depending on results for MWOS and Simba Bhora today.
Scottland started with purpose. Machope tested Kariba goalkeeper Munditi Tatenda inside five minutes with a firm header, before Godknows Murwira forced another save from a free kick.
The pressure told in the 11th minute when Murwira’s set-piece slipped through Munditi’s hands, allowing Machope to bury the loose ball.
He doubled the lead on 32 minutes, pouncing on a defensive blunder to beat Munditi with a calm finish. Kariba’s best first-half chance fell to Collen Muleya, but his effort was denied by Scottland goalkeeper Kelvin Shangiwa.
ZPC returned from the break with more energy and replaced Munditi with Future Sibanda. Moses Demera and substitute Wayne Kamurai both went close, only for Shangiwa to stand firm with key saves.
Their persistence paid off in the dying moments when Munyanyi slotted home from close range, but Scottland had already done enough.
Coach Tonderai Ndiraya hailed his team’s resilience and recent form.
“We’re on a fantastic run, six wins in the league and a strong cup performance. The players are fighting for every point, and the new signings have added real quality. When you have a squad this determined, as a coach, you can’t ask for more,” said Ndiraya.
ZPC Kariba coach Newton Chitehwe credited his team’s fight despite costly lapses.
“We played well, especially in the second-half, but two first-half mistakes cost us. The boys showed character after the break, had luck been on our side, we could have scraped something. Still, I’m proud of their response.”
Scottland: K. Shangiwa; P. Mudhuwa, R. Pfumbidzai, K. Moyo, F. Botchway; T. Dzvukamanja, V. Kawe, G. Murwira; M. Chihweta (K. Musona 45’), T. Machope, M. Shidolo
ZPC Kariba: M. Tatenda (F. Sibanda 45’); C. Musikavanhu, M. Gavaza, S. Chimanikire, K. Madzima; C. Muleya, M. Demera (C. Munyanyi 61’), M. Kamwendo, E. Ruwo; S. Makawa (W. Kamurai 61’), S. Ngal
