Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
EMMANUEL Mandiranga continued to justify his acquisition after scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Black Rhinos that blew the MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League title race wide open.
Rhinos have themselves to blame after they missed a late penalty.
Mandiranga struck the winner in the top-of-the-table showdown at Callies, helping City cut the gap between themselves and leaders Rhinos to just one point.
The forward has now scored four goals in only five appearances since joining Harare City.
City went into the encounter four points behind Rhinos and knowing defeat would leave their title ambitions dependent on results elsewhere.
Instead, Mandiranga’s intervention has given them renewed control of their destiny as the championship race enters a crucial phase.
Harare City coach Try Ncube was delighted with the result but admitted his charges were pushed all the way by a strong Rhinos side.
“The match was very tough, as we expected. We knew they were a strong side, but we fought hard for the three points,” said Ncube.
“In the second half, we started trying to get more possession of the ball and created more chances.
“Fortunately, we managed to take one of those chances and score the goal that gave us the three points.
“After scoring, I felt we defended too deep and that was not what I wanted.
“I was actually trying to encourage the players to come out of the low block, but sometimes that happens in football when you are protecting a lead.
“They put us under pressure and our goalkeeper also made a great save. After that, the players defended for their lives.
“We have to give credit to the opposition because they are a very strong side and they gave us a very good game.”
While the victory has transformed the complexion of the championship race, Ncube is refusing to get carried away, with Rhinos still holding a slender advantage at the summit.
“We are very happy with the result. We were playing at home and everyone expected us to win,” he said.
“We have won and we are closer, but it is not over yet.
“There is still a lot of football to be played.”
Mandiranga’s contribution has been particularly significant considering his limited competitive football earlier in the year.
Ncube believes the experienced attacker is gradually finding his rhythm and has brought another dimension to the City attack at a critical stage of the campaign.
“He brings experience to the team and he also brings energy and leadership,” said Ncube.
“You can see the way he is playing and pushing himself despite lacking match fitness.
“You have to remember that this was only his fifth game this year.
“From January until around July, he was not playing regularly, so what he is giving us is very important, especially in our title push.”
