Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MWOS and Scottland may just have made a mockery of the PSL teams, just 10 games into the new season.
After their identical 1-0 wins yesterday, MWOS are top of the log with 22 points and Scottland second with 19 points, with a superior goal difference over champions Simba Bhora, who have the same points.
MWOS floored Chicken Inn at Luveve while Scottland got the better of giants Dynamos.
For the record, these are two teams that fought a fierce battle for promotion in the Northern Region Soccer League last year, with Scottland getting the ticket while MWOS ended up buying a franchise to play in the Premiership.
Their positions now may have given credence to debate that their rivalry in Division One last year was better than the PSL.
And holding all things constant, that rivalry may just be beginning at the highest level.
A moment of individual brilliance from attacking midfielder Nigel Matinha in the 37th minute settled a closely contested affair between MWOS and Chicken Inn.
This extended MWOS’s unbeaten streak to 10 matches.
Matinha’s sublime first-touch curler from outside the area, set up after some slick interplay between Billy Veremu and Malvern Mudzuka, left Chicken Inn goalkeeper Donovan Bernard rooted to the spot.
It was a goal to win any match.
Sunday’s loss marked the Gamecocks’ third defeat of the campaign and left them with a paltry one win from 10 matches, a form that has heaped growing pressure on head coach Joey Antipas and his technical team. The veteran gaffer delegated assistant coach Fungai “Tostao” Kwashi for the post-match interview.
“We have to keep working hard and try to get the goals coming,” said Kwashi. “I will not mention names, but some of the decisions made do not aid the progress of Zimbabwean football. It’s becoming more of a skit than a sport. Where are we going as a nation?”
In contrast, MWOS head coach Lloyd Mutasa was more reserved but visibly satisfied with the result.
“We were playing against a good side, and I’m happy that from the few chances we created, we converted one,” Mutasa said. “We sat too deep in the second half and allowed them too much space, but the result is what matters.”
From the start, MWOS looked sharp and composed, dictating the tempo early and nearly finding the net in the 28th minute when Veremu failed to make proper contact with the ball just outside the area.
Chicken Inn responded quickly through Tinashe Mushaireni, whose long-range shot went wide. Moments later, Michael Charamba’s clever run down the left teed up Mushaireni again, this time brought down on the edge of the box. He dusted himself off to take the free-kick, only to be denied by MWOS’ wall.
Mudzuka then tested Bernard with an effort from distance before Matinha’s moment of magic tilted the game in MWOS’ favour, just before the break.
The second half saw Chicken Inn ring changes, with George Majika and Brighton Makopa introduced to spark some life into their attack. MWOS responded by replacing Mathew Murambiwa with Godfrey Manase.
The Gamecocks dominated possession in the second half and created a handful of half chances. On the hour mark, Joseph Tulani rose highest to meet a cross, but his header was parried brilliantly by MWOS goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, who had a composed outing between the sticks. Two minutes later, Mudzuka nearly doubled the visitors’ lead, but a timely block from Mpumelelo Bhebhe kept Chicken Inn in the match. Late in the match, Xolani Ndlovu unleashed a drive from range, only to be denied again by the alert Mapisa.
Despite the late flurry of attacks, MWOS showed maturity and defensive discipline beyond their years in the Premiership to hold on for a famous away win. Their dream debut campaign in the top flight continues to defy odds.
Chicken Inn, on the other hand, are left soul searching. One win, three losses, and six draws in 10 games tell a story of a side stuck in the mud.
Teams:
Chicken Inn: Donovan Bernard (gk), Kudzai Dzingwe, Kumbirai Mutenha (Brendon Rendo 64’), Joseph Tulani, Xolani Ndlovu, Dominic Jaricha, Nelson Ketala, Michael Charamba, Mpumelelo Bhebhe, Tinashe Mushaireni (Brighton Makopa 46’), Edward Musena (George Majika 46’).
MWOS: Martin Mapisa (gk), Tafadzwa Nyabunze, Valentine Katsande, Innocent Zambezi, Mathew Murambiwa (Godfrey Manase 46’), Tafadzwa George, Clive Kangwari, Malvern Mudzuka, Billy Veremu (Arthur Banda 61’), Claude Mapoka (Salif Cheya 61’), Nigel Matinha (Gift Saunyama 61’)
