MWOS back in the title fight after late TelOne slip

Onward Gangata

MWOS are alive in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race after a dramatic 1-0 win over TelOne at Ascot Stadium this afternoon.

An 83rd minute own goal by TelOne captain Frank Makarati settled a tense clash and threw the championship picture wide open. The Norton club now sit on 49 points, just six off leaders Simba Bhora, who were held 0-0 by second placed Scottland in Shamva.

Coach Lloyd Mutasa said the result keeps belief burning. “This win gives us confidence and belief. It’s like how we started the season when we went 16 matches unbeaten. I keep telling the youngsters we need consistency,” he told Zimpapers Sports soon after the final whistle.

MWOS were on the front foot from the start. Malvin Mudzuka fired over early, and though TelOne’s Pawell Govere forced a deflection wide, the visitors dominated possession. TelOne rallied briefly after halftime through substitute Nigel Makumbe, but MWOS regained control and finally forced the mistake.

The defeat is a huge blow for TelOne, who now trail the top four by six points. Coach Hebert Maruwa didn’t hide his frustration: “This is a sad way to lose a match, it was a closed game decided by a schoolboy blunder. It’s worrying how we keep failing to win at home.”

MWOS have now won two in a row after breaking their dry spell against Chicken Inn and have a goal difference edge over third-placed Ngezi Platinum Stars.

Teams

TelOne: Criss Mverechena, Tawanda Macheke, Pawell Govere, Tafadzwa Jaravani, Eriya Mafirenyika, Tadiwa Mambudzi (Nigel Makumbe 50’), Kudakwashe Nyakudanga, Bruno Mtigo, Frank Makarati, Milton Chimedza (Panashe Mtasa 61’), Washington Navaya.

MWOS: Martin Mapisa, Tafadzwa Nyabunze, Clive Kwangwari, Innocent Zambezi, Aboubakar Moffat, Everson Feremba (Billy Veremu 59’), Jeremiah Makangira (Wilson Mensah 59’), Malvern Mudzuka (Valentine Katsande 74’), Mathew Murambiwa, Arthur Banda (Innocent Masiiwa 83’), Nigel Matinha (Tinotenda Majamanda 74’).