Online Reporter
Ray Bande in Mutare, Zimpapers Sports Hub
MANICA Diamonds 1-1 MWOS
MANICA Diamonds were left shell-shocked after surrendering two crucial points at home, allowing MWOS to snatch a dramatic late equaliser in a Castle Lager Premiership clash that ended 1–1 at Sakubva Stadium in Mutare yesterday.
The Gem Boys looked set for victory after substitute Anelka Chivandire’s 77th-minute flick from a Farai Banda corner gave them the lead. But referee Arnold Ncube’s five minutes of added time proved costly. With virtually the last kick of the match, MWOS struck back to level matters, leaving the home crowd stunned and coach Tafadzwa Mashiri visibly frustrated.
Mashiri’s disappointment was evident.
“It’s really painful that we had to drop two points when the match was almost over. I consider this more of two points dropped than a point gained. It’s so painful. We just have to soldier on and fight another day,” he said.
His opposite number, Lloyd Mutasa, saw the late goal as a reward for his side’s resilience and a sign of progress.
“It’s unfortunate we conceded a silly goal — one we should have avoided. At least I could see a marked improvement in our play. We performed well and were duly rewarded with a late goal for our efforts. I thought we could have scored earlier and possibly won the encounter.
“The good thing is that we managed to apply lessons from previous matches. We were punished right at the death against Simba Bhora, and today we turned the tables by punishing our opponents at the death. That is the name of the game,” said Mutasa.
True to his well-known religious faith, Mutasa added:
“We just have to push harder as we go into our forthcoming matches. There is still everything to play for. With the help of the Almighty, we will achieve our goals.”
Before kick-off, both teams observed a minute of silence for former Orlando Pirates and Chicken Inn striker Tendai Ndoro, who was laid to rest yesterday in Bulawayo.
Manica Diamonds started brightly. In the fifth minute, Emmanuel Mandiranga’s header was blocked on the line before Brent Amidu fired the rebound wide. Both sides then traded chances in an open and entertaining game, but poor finishing kept the scores level until Chivandire’s late strike appeared to settle it.
That was until stoppage time, when MWOS reminded the hosts of an old football lesson: it’s never over until the final whistle.
