malvernmugadzikwa
Black Rhinos……(1)1
Yadah………………..0
Online Reporter
NINE-man Black Rhinos defied the odds and showed great resilience to overcome Yadah at Bata Stadium on Wednesday and keep their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League survival hopes alive.
The odds seemed stacked against the soldiers from the onset when they were reduced to 10 men — just 15 minutes into the match — following the expulsion of right-back Tatenda Mchisa.
The defender was harshly penalised by referee Lawrence Zimhondi, who adjudged that he had struck Vincent Sango with an elbow in a tussle for possession.
Rhinos suffered a further setback in the second half following the expulsion of the impressive Brian Mukucha, who had come on for the injured Douglas Mbewe.
But veteran striker Evans Katema’s first-half goal, off a Garikai Dematsika cross, settled it for Rhinos.
The victory means ‘Chauya Chipembere’ leapfrog Triangle into 16th position on the log standings – at least for 24 hours – as they took their points tally to 32.
Rhinos assistant coach Chris Mwanza was happy with the result.
“It was a difficult game — very tough — but we managed to tell the boys that we have to win and we did just that,” Mwanza said.
Rhinos also moved to within two points of Sheasham, who have 34 points and occupy the last safety spot on the log table.
Sheasham fell 2-1 away to log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab Stadium.
Mwanza believes Wednesday’s win will give his charges the zeal to keep fighting for survival.
“Those were crucial points. We badly needed them; they will take us far,” he said.
“We are not still out of danger. I know it is not going to be easy in the next matches, but this win will give us confidence.”
Online Reporter