Online Reporter
Oscar Rusenga in Triangle
Bikita Minerals . . . . . . . . . . . . .0
Scottland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)1
A SECOND half header from Malawian striker Khuda Myaba was enough to hand Scottland FC a hard fought 1-0 win over Bikita Minerals in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash at Gibbo yesterday.
Myaba, who joined Scottland during the ongoing mid season transfer window, came off the bench early in the second half and made an immediate impact in the visitors’ final third.
The stocky forward nearly bagged a brace but was denied by the underside of the crossbar in the 82nd minute, with Bikita goalkeeper Tawanda Dendera already beaten.
Scottland started brightly and could’ve been two goals up inside the opening five minutes. Tymon Machope forced a sharp save from Dendera in the third minute, then dragged a clear cut chance wide just moments later with only the keeper to beat.
Bikita Minerals eventually settled after that early scare, growing into the game as captain Courage Bera and Spencer Mugariri took charge in midfield.
Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya made tactical changes five minutes after the break, introducing Myaba and Panashe Mutimbanyoka for Fredrick Botchway and Walter Musona. The changes added pace and pur-pose to Scottland’s attack.
The home side, previously unbeaten at Gibbo, had a golden opportunity in the 65th minute when Farai Kafuramutowa attempted an acrobatic finish from a Russy Tayedza cross but sent his effort over the bar. Sensing the moment, Ndiraya brought on speedy winger Michael Tapera, and the pressure finally told. Scottland won a corner, and Myaba reacted quickly in the box, nodding home the decisive goal.
Myaba nearly scored again with a brilliant turn and strike, only to see his powerful shot cannon off the crossbar with eight minutes left.
“I’m happy to contribute to the team, and I promise the Mabviravira family more goals as we keep pushing for that big prize,” said Myaba.
Ndiraya was pleased with both the result and performance, which saw his side cement third place on the log with 40 points, three behind leaders Simba Bhora and one behind second placed MWOS FC.
“Bikita were unbeaten since they moved here, and getting maximum points shows the boys put in a solid shift. I’m impressed with the whole team.
“We scored from a corner kick for the first time this season, and managed the game well after that. Our match against Highlanders at the weekend was energy sapping, so for the boys to play like this again, I can only applaud them. With a bit more precision, we could have scored more, but we came for three points and got them,” said Ndiraya.
Bikita Minerals coach Wilson Mutekede was disappointed with the result but encouraged by his team’s performance.
“The performance by the boys was quite fair, we competed well. They had their moments, we had ours, but they took one of theirs just after we missed a glaring chance.
“If we carry this performance into our match against Triangle on Sunday, we’ll be able to control proceedings. There are a lot of positives from this game compared to our defeat against GreenFuel, as we continue plugging the holes left by players who moved during this window,” said Mutekede.
