Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports
IT may have been narrow, but Scottland’s full points collected after edging Kwekwe United 1-0 at Rufaro yesterday, is all that matters.
It could not have been made any better coming from a MWOS defeat in their previous match which left them bruised.
Scottland went to half-time leading 1-0, Tymon Machope’s 14th-minute strike separating the two sides at the break.
Scottland head coach Tonderai Ndiraya was delighted by the character shown by his boys but worried by missed chances.
“I think we started very well in the early moments of the game until we scored that goal. After that we took a back seat and allowed Kwekwe to come back into the game,” said Ndiraya.
“Overall, of course I’m impressed by the way the team played. If you consider that we were coming from a defeat, we lost two more in our last game.
“Then we showed some character and resilience in the moments that we were under attack.
“We defended very well and then that got us the three points that we got today. But I’m very worried by our conversion rate.”
The hosts started brightly, with youngster Tadiwa Chakuchichi testing Kwekwe’s defence early, forcing goalkeeper Elton Nechiware into a save in the sixth minute.
The host threatened again in the 12th minute when Vassali Kawe rose for a free header, but goalie Nechiware produced another crucial stop to keep the scores level.
Scottland’s breakthrough came just two minutes later.
A dazzling run from Panashe Mutimbanyoka carved open Kwekwe’s defence before he unselfishly chipped the ball to Machope, who flicked it into an empty net after the goalkeeper left his line.
Machope nearly doubled his tally three minutes later, breaking through Kwekwe’s backline before his shot was heroically blocked by defender Brian Kativhu.
Machope was substituted after he limped off in pain and was replaced by Lynoth Chikuhwa.
Chikuhwa then came agonisingly close for a second goal in stoppage time, rattling the post with a powerful effort leading to the break. Despite coming out with greater attacking intent, Scottland failed to capitalise on multiple opportunities to seal the game.
The introduction of Khama Billiat injected creativity into their play, but poor finishing kept Kwekwe in contention.
“I think in the last 20 minutes of the first half they were in control of the game. We were second to everything, particularly in midfield.
“That prompted us to make the changes that we made just after the break, which obviously injected some bit of life into our play,” said Ndiraya.
The best chance fell to Chakuchichi in the 53rd minute when Billiat set him up inside the box, only for his close-range strike to cannon off the crossbar.
Five minutes later, he blazed another effort over the bar, leaving Scottland fans frustrated. His dangerous 73rd-minute free-kick forced a finger-tip save from goalkeeper Nelson Chadya, who was called into action again minutes later.
Scottland substitute Nathan Mutasa had a golden opportunity to put the game to bed late but failed to convert when sent through on goal.
Kwekwe head coach Paul Chimalizeni said his team fared well but lost due to inexperience.
“I am happy with the guys, the way they played. A lot of them are inexperienced and they fared well against Scottland with experienced players. We hope we take it from there going forward,” he said.
Teams
Scottland: Nelson Chadya, Marvellous Chigumira, Albert Manenji, Panashe Mutimbanyoka, Gareth Madhake, Kevin Moyo, Vassili Kawe, Tymon Machope, Kingsley Mureremba, Tadiwa Chakuchichi, Fredrick Botchway,
Substitution: Kelvin Shangiwa, Lynoth Chikuhwa, Nathan Mutasa, Mthokhozisi Msebe, Peter Muduhwa, Walter Musona, Khama Billiat, Emmanuel Saidi, Michael Tapera
Kwekwe: Elton Nechiware, Andile Taruvinga, Tafadzwa Muzenda, Trevor Chikede, Lennox Chibi, Brian Kativhu, Jealous Musukutwa, Keen Mambare, Farai Matatu, Mbongeni Minezhi, Nyasha Saungweme, Nyasha Saungweme
Subs: Ahmed Daudi, Qaccim Phiri, Marlon Nyawaranda, Saul Chaminuka, Shelton Sibanda, Emmanuel Mutimbanyoka, Genesis Munashe
