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Oscar Rusenga, in TRIANGLE
Triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)2
Cranborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)1
A LAST minute penalty conversion by Russell Madamombe was enough to end Triangle’s seven match winless streak following a narrow win over Cranborne Bullets at Gibbo yesterday.
The Sugar Sugar Boys had played straight draws in their last seven games and their win yesterday was coach Thulani Sibanda’s first victory since he was accredited to sit on the bench.
Cranborne Bullets could have taken the lead as early as the 11th minute but Triangle number one Matripples Muleya kept the home side in the game.
Triangle responded just seven minutes later as Ghanaian forward Wilson Mensah’s moment of brilliance gave them an early lead.
Mensah, who is the club’s top goal scorer with five goals from 13 matches, collected the ball from his own half, eliminating the Bullets defenders with his blistering pace and wizardry before unleashing a ferocious shot that gave the visiting goalkeeper Victor Jabangwe no chance at the near post.
Cranborne did not create any meaningful chance in the first half but rode on their luck when Triangle midfield anchor Joe Nyabinde needlessly brought down Sylvester Munhira inside the box in the 28th minute.
Masvingo-based referee Thabani Ruzario, who had a very good day in the office, correctly pointed to the spot and Cranborne Bullets captain, who played his last game for the army side ahead of his move to Chicken Inn in the mid-season transfer window, made no mistake to level scores.
Triangle had a handful of chances after the visitors’ equaliser but they were blunt in front of goal as the match went to the breather tied.
Triangle youthful gaffer Sibanda made tactical changes late in the second half bringing on Madamombe, Farai Mugumwa and Lucky Ndlela. The changes were effective for the home side as they looked more dangerous in front of the opposition goal.
Mugumwa, however, blew his effort wide from six yards with only the keeper to beat, before the striker stretchered off the pitch in the 84th minute.
Madamombe had his first time effort unbelievably saved from six yards by Jabangwe after a good cross from substitute Wayne Makuva. That looked like the last big chance of the game in the 89th minute but there was time for more drama. Triangle continued to push and their fighting spirit paid off as a Cranborne Bullets defender handled the ball under pressure inside the box and Ruzario was brave enough to award the home side a penalty.
Madamombe made no mistake from the resultant spot kick as Triangle celebrated their first win in three months.
“It’s a great relief because we have been creating chances, dominating play but we couldn’t break the draw jinx and now that we have won we hope we have just turned the corner.
“I have always said it when we started the season that one of our biggest let-downs was Russel’s injury and I have always had this belief that when he comes back he is always going to give us an edge going forward,” said Triangle coach Sibanda.
Teams:
Triangle: Matripples Muleya, Jameson Mukombwe, Carlos Musimwa, Eriya Mafirakureva, Ariel Makopa, Joe Nyabinde, Tinashe Kabanda, Nobert Zingo (Farai Mugumwa 69th min), Njabulo Ngwenya (Lucky Ndlela 46th min), Wilson Mensa, Never Rauzhi (Russel Madamombe 60th min)
Cranborne: Victor Jabangwe, Nigel Kupara, Prince Mutasa, Moreblessing Mushangwe, Christopher Charakupa, Eric Manokore, Vincent Mhandu, Chris Ngwena, Malvern Mudzuka, Tadiwa Chibunyu, Sylvester Munhira
Online Reporter