Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze in NORTON
MWOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)2
BULAWAYO CHIEFS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(1)1
LLOYD Mutasa finally found a perfect solution to his problems when he displayed flair to beat Bulawayo Chiefs 2-1 in an exciting Premiership fixture at Ngoni yesterday.
First half goals by Namibian foward Dawid Ndeunyema and Arther Banda gave MWOS their first set of maximum points in the season while Anesu Saiti pulled one back for the visitors.
This came after picking three points in an equal number of draws against Hunters, Telone and Highlanders respectively.
Taking early control of the game, the vast attacking options facilitated easy control for MWOS while simplifying defensive duties for the back-line to allow for rapid and direct counter-attacks.
Mutasa heaped praises on his side, appreciating them for sticking to game plan.
“Knowing Chiefs, they play a defensive game when they are away and this is why we came in with four men upfront, the message was simple, we wanted goals,” said Mutasa.
“To my surprise, I realised that they came wanting to attack more so to outdo their three-man strike force we had to use four defenders and force them to play it wide so that we win all the long balls and it worked.
“I am impressed with the way we played, a massive improvement from our previous games and it gives us confidence going forward.”
First it was Ndeunyema’s effort inside the box in the 20th minute that gave the hosts the lead.
The goal settled MWOS who after the restart now kept the ball in the middle of the park, giving Chiefs room to settle.
In the 37th minute, Anesu Saiti took advantage of a lapse in concentration by MWOS, got into a good space and buried one from close range, cancelling Ndeunyema’s goal.
MWOS was to extend the lead in the 42nd minute when Jeremiah Makangira brought a cross into the box for Tinotenda Mutyambizi to redirect the ball, placing it well for Banda who found the back of the net with ease. Returning from the breather leading 2-1 MWOS sat back, bringing in more defensive options to protect their lead.
Bulawayo Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino, who came in with six changes from his previous match line-up, said he still has a lot of work to do to turn his fortunes around.
“I am happy that we did well in many moments although the eventual score-line does not favour us,” he said.
“I feel that my side did well today, by far this is our best game compared to the previous three, our plan worked but unfortunately we could not get goals.
“Four points in four games I am not happy, it places us under pressure and I hope that after the break we will have addressed some of our problems to start on a clean sheet.”
Meanwhile, ZPC Kariba got the better of Manica Diamonds 2-0 at Nyamhunga yesterday.
