Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Scottland FC 1-0 Herentals
TONDERAI Ndiraya finally breathed a huge sigh of relief as Scottland FC snapped their winless run with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Herentals yesterday at Rufaro Stadium.
After three consecutive draws, the Mabvuku based side, coached by Ndiraya, broke their jinx thanks to a well placed header by Tymon Machope early in the second half.
It was a tale of two halves for Scottland. They delivered a sluggish first half performance but returned from the break with renewed urgency and purpose to claim maximum points.
Herentals were dominant in the opening period, but wastefulness in front of goal proved to be their undoing.
Tinotenda Benza had an early opportunity in the fifth minute but mistimed his effort from an Erick Dombo cross. The “Students” continued to press, seeking a second consecutive win, but were let down by poor finishing.
Benza came close again in the 25th minute, narrowly missing the target with a powerful header that had Scottland keeper Nelson Chadya rooted to the spot.
Despite creating several clear cut chances, Herentals couldn’t find a breakthrough.
After being second best in the first half, a halftime pep talk seemed to galvanize Scottland. They returned with greater intensity and put the visitors under pressure.
Their persistence paid off just eight minutes into the second half when Machope headed in from a Khama Billiat cross to break the deadlock.
Moments later, Machope nearly doubled his tally, but Herentals goalkeeper Tinotendaishe Takarinda made a brilliant save with his legs to keep his side in the game.
Scottland continued to threaten, and Walter Musona was unlucky not to score when his long-range effort rattled the woodwork with 15 minutes left.
Herentals threw everything forward in the closing stages, but Scottland’s defence held firm to preserve the narrow lead.
With pressure mounting in recent weeks, a visibly relieved Ndiraya welcomed the win but admitted the performance still left room for improvement.
“It was a difficult game, if you ask me, but I’m very happy we managed to collect maximum points,” said Ndiraya.
“We had gone three matches without a win, so this result brings a lot of relief. That said, I’m not entirely happy with the performance.”
Herentals coach Paul Benza rued missed chances.
“We had a good game, but we needed to be clinical in front of goal,” he said.
“We had our chances and failed to convert. In the end, we were punished.”
Teams
Scottland: N. Chadya, G. Murwira, W. Musona, P. Mudhuwa, R. Pfumbidzai, K. Moyo, K. Billiat, E. Saidi, L. Chikuhwa, T. Machope, F. Botchway
Herentals: T. Takarinda, W. Chimbetu, E. Dombo, B. Phiri, W. Muphumha, K. Sangare, T. Benz.
