Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
NEWLY promoted Castle Lager Premier Soccer League sides MWOS and Scottland continue to defy expectations, with both clubs riding high on the table. MWOS remain unbeaten and top the standings with 31 points after drawing with Triangle, while Scottland sit third with 26, following a gritty 1–0 win over Kwekwe United at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.
That result saw Scottland put their campaign back on track after a recent slip-up against fellow high-flyers MWOS. Their crucial goal came in the 14th minute from Tymon Machope, who coolly flicked home a clever chip from Panashe Mutimbanyoka after a dazzling run. Despite dominating large spells of the match, especially in the first half with chances falling to Tadiwa Chakuchichi, Vassili Kawe, and Albert Manenji, Scottland’s head coach Tonderai Ndiraya expressed mixed feelings.
“I think we started very well in the early moments of the game until we scored that goal,” said Ndiraya. “After that, we took a back seat and allowed Kwekwe to come back into the game. In the last 20 minutes of the first half, they were in control, we were second to everything, particularly in midfield.”
Machope nearly doubled the lead, and substitute Lynoth Chikuhwa hit the upright just before the break. The second half saw the introduction of Khama Billiat, who added spark, but poor finishing, notably from Chakuchichi who squandered two clear opportunities, prevented Scottland from extending their lead.
Kwekwe, buoyed by the misses, pushed for an equaliser, with Mbongeni Minezhi forcing two crucial saves from Scottland goalkeeper Nelson Chadya. Despite a late chance for Nathan Mutasa to seal it, Scottland held on for the win.
Ndiraya commended his team’s character and resilience after the recent defeat but voiced concern over their “conversion rate.”
Kwekwe coach, Paul Chimalizeni, praised his inexperienced side for their performance against a seasoned Scottland team.
Meanwhile, log leaders MWOS saw their unbeaten run of not relinquishing a lead come to an end, as they were twice forced to come from behind in an entertaining 2-2 draw against a spirited Triangle United at Gibbo Stadium.
MWOS coach, Lloyd Mutasa, admitted to defensive lapses but praised his team’s fighting spirit.
“It wasn’t one of our best performances, but coming here and getting a draw, I can only appreciate the work done by the youngsters,” he noted.
After Triangle missed early chances, MWOS took the lead in the 28th minute through Nigel Matinha, who clinically finished a sharp diagonal ball from Innocent Zambezi. Triangle equalised just before half-time when Witness Shave bundled home a free-kick. MWOS regained their lead barely two minutes into the second half via Mathew Murambiwa’s neat finish. However, Triangle refused to fold, with man-of-the-match Tawanda Denzel Chatuluka producing a brilliant solo run to set up a deserved equaliser, officially ruled as an own goal after Mapisa’s save squirmed past him.
This marked the first time MWOS had been pegged back twice after leading this season, highlighting Triangle’s resilience. Triangle coach Genesis Mangombe, while pleased with his team’s adherence to their plan, felt it was “two points dropped.”
Both teams now look to their next fixtures, with MWOS facing a stern test against CAPS United.
