Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MUTARE-based Castle Lager Premiership Manica Diamonds were full value of the first set of maximum points gained when they dismissed Agama FC 3-1 at Sakubva Stadium on Saturday.
Manica Diamonds coach Patrick Mandizha heaved a huge sigh of relief after the final whistle.
“This was a well-deserved win and what makes it sweeter is that it happens when we have just returned to our home ground Sakubva Stadium. This result will go a long way in helping the team fight its way out of the bottom part of the table,” he said
His opposite number Takaendesa Jongwe said: “It was a bad day in the office. We could have done better but it is what it is. We just have to fight on.”
Manica Diamonds, whose recent ownership transfer has been tumultuous and filled with drama, were the first to make meaningful attempts at goal and were only unfortunate not to have found the target early in the seventh minute when Russel Kahiki failed to convert a rebound deep inside the box and directed his effort wife of goal.
In the 19th minute Manica Diamonds could have surged ahead but the usually reliable Charles Teguru ‘s header off former Bikita Minerals winger Liberty Masvaure cross went inches above the crossbar.
The home team finally got it right in the 55th minute when Kahiki tapped into the net from close range in a goalmouth melee that badly exposed the Agama FC rearguard.Teguru became the fall guy for the home side after failing to convert a cleacut scoring chance in the 71st minute when he raced well from the left while firmly in control of the ball only to fire wide of target in a goalkeeper to beat situation. Agama FC restored parity in the 81st minute when the Manica Diamonds defence gifted Ralph Nyamupikira a loose ball in the box and the strike made no mistake as he shoved home a hard and low shot.
It was not long before Manica Diamonds reclaimed the lead after Agama FC defender Newman Philiso hacked down a goal bound Charles Teguru in the 82nd minute and impressive referee Trinity Dirwai did not hesitate to award a genuine penalty.
Up stepped captain Farai Banda who sent Wilson Brown, in goals for Agama FC, the wrong way.
Manica Diamonds put the match beyond the reach of their opponents in the final minute of added time when Malone Maziriri got to the end of a Teguru pass and fooled Brown with a low curler that nestled into the right corner of the net.
