Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HARDROCK stretched their winning run but had to survive a second-half storm from Agama FC before grinding out a 1-0 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League victory at Chahwanda Stadium on Saturday.
Washington Navaya’s first-half header settled it, though the scoreline barely tells the full story of a game that swung wildly after the break.
Hardrock started with intent, pushing Agama deep and asking early questions down both flanks. Sambulo Simelane tested Wilson Brown from a tight angle and the goalkeeper responded well, while Wilfred Manzungu’s quick feet unsettled the visitors’ backline.
Agama, however, were not just passengers. They grew into the contest, with Ralph Nyamupurika firing over from the edge of the box before the visitors began to string together patient spells of possession.
The breakthrough came from a familiar route. Tinashe Mashaireni delivered a teasing corner and Navaya rose unmarked, drifting in from behind the defence to power home the header.
Hardrock could have doubled their lead before the break. Mashaireni went close after being picked out by Navaya, while Emmanuel Chambara nearly punished a defensive lapse at the other end, his effort cleared off the line by Tonderai Mateyaunga.
Agama returned for the second half with renewed urgency and a reshaped approach after coach Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe introduced Eric Etienne and Bernard Chipanera.
The changes tilted the game.
Etienne immediately injected pace on the right, whipping in dangerous deliveries, while Balakasi’s long-range efforts and Chambara’s movement kept Hardrock pinned back. Mateyaunga, largely a spectator in the first half, suddenly became the busiest man on the pitch.
He produced a string of decisive saves, denying Etienne in a one-on-one situation before standing firm again as Agama piled on the pressure.
Nyamupurika had the clearest openings. He turned his marker neatly only to blaze over with the goal at his mercy, then saw another effort smothered by the Hardrock goalkeeper when it looked easier to score.
Agama dominated possession and territory in the closing stages, but their finishing deserted them.
Hardrock, by contrast, showed the kind of composure that has defined their early season run, holding their shape and managing the game through to the final whistle.
Coach Kelvin Kaindu admitted his side had been stretched.
“Before the game they said they want to beat us, showing they had a lot of information on us. They came with a lot of character and determination, but I give credit to the team. We managed the game very well in the first half.
“We could have taken a comfortable lead. In the second half they came strong after making changes. It shows they have the pedigree. It was a difficult game, but to get maximum points for three games in a row is a good result for us.
“Mateyaunga made two critical saves, showing a lot of improvement in each game. He decided that we get maximum points today which is good for the team.”
Agama coach Takaendesa Jongwe felt his side had let the result slip.
“It was a game of two halves. Hardrock had a strong first half. Unfortunately for us we conceded and they got their goal in that first half. They could have got two or three.
“We were strong in the second half. With a bit of composure we could have equalised. It’s back to the drawing board.”
