Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda, Zimpapers Sports Hub
MWOS 2-1 Chicken Inn
LLOYD MUTASA finally breathed easier yesterday after his MWOS side ended a long, painful wait for victory.
The Punters had gone 57 days without a win, but they snapped that run with a hard fought 2-1 triumph over troubled Chicken Inn at Ngoni Stadium in Norton. Forgotten striker Everson Feremba, handed his first start of the season, wasted no time in reminding fans of his worth as he struck in the opening minute.
Arthur Banda then sealed the points in the second half with a composed finish from a Tafadzwa George assist.
Between those two goals, Chicken Inn found brief hope when their talisman Michael Charamba, rifled home a fine equaliser.
For MWOS, the result carried extra weight. It was their first victory since July 5, when they beat Bikita Minerals at the same venue.
“Obviously, it was a bad spell and at the end of the day we knew it was going to end,” said coach Mutasa with visible relief.
“But, you know, we never got it easy. We were playing against a team under the tutelage of my elder Antipas, a good experienced coach, former national team coach as well.
“We knew it was going to be tough, and tough it was. But at least, we managed to overcome.”
The victory lifted MWOS to 46 points, still seven behind leaders Simba Bhora, who surprisingly slipped at Greenfuel.
For Chicken Inn, the defeat deepened their struggles. They remain stuck on 30 points, just two clear of the drop zone.
Coach Joey Antipas, admitted his team were wobbling, but insisted they would pull through.
“For us to get out of this matrix, we have to have a strong finish to the season. I believe that we can do it,” Antipas said.
“Today was one of those bad days in the office. We have been playing well.
“The results haven’t been good, especially away. But we need to put things right. We will definitely survive relegation.”
derick.khumalo