tawandamusarurwa
Don Makanyanga in Mhondoro
Ngezi Platinum Stars……………….. (1) 3
Triangle……………………………………………. 0
Ngezi Platinum Stars capitalised on a rare slip-up by Highlanders to reduce the gap between them and the log leaders to two points after running riot against Triangle at Baobab Stadium yesterday.
Goals from Takunda Benhura, Qadr Amini and Bruno Mtigo saw the Mhondoro-based outfit emerge three-nil victors. The result also reinforced coach Takesure Chiragwi’s belief that his charges can win the league title.
“We are not even worried about how Highlanders played. What I am worried about is improving my team,” said an excited Chiragwi.
“How Highlanders played has got nothing to do with us; we are just happy with what we achieved today.
“What is important is for this club to improve. Yes, we are in a competition and if it comes our way, we will be happy, but it is not our target to chase the title.
“What we need is to improve and build a competitive side.”
His opposite number, Thulani Sibanda, had the ignominy of watching his charges fail to win for the seventh time.
“Our confidence levels are low,” he said.
“I am sure we will be able to find a solution and avoid the chop.”
Ngezi were the first team to settle into the match, as they piled pressure on the visitors. The onslaught paid dividends for Ngezi on the quarter-hour mark when Takunda Benhura struck from close range after coming to the end of a Leslie Kashitigu cross.
The hosts continued to raid the Triangle half for a second goal, only to be let down by their forwards.
Forced onto the back foot, Triangle resorted to counter-attacks, which often failed to get the desired result.
Ngezi’s dominance continued in the second half. They duly increased their lead four minutes after the break, when Bruno Mtigo connected with a flick from Benhura.
Qadr Amini, who seems to have found his touch again after scoring the winner last week against CAPS United, sealed the deal for the hosts. He put the icing on the cake with a close-range shot for his sixth goal of the season.
This put the match beyond Triangle’s grasp.
Elsewhere, Chicken Inn dropped crucial points when they were held to a goalless draw by relegation-threatened Cranborne Bullets at Luveve.
The result took Gamecocks’ points tally to 33, nine behind log leaders Highlanders, much to the disappointment of coach Prince Matore.
“We dropped two precious points,” said Matore.
“We wanted to utilise home advantage and get the maximum points. However, we tried everything we could but nothing came out.
“We need to try and get clinical in front of goal. I am happy that we are still in the championship chasing pack, though,” he said.
Cranborne Bullets’ coach Nesbert Saruchera was ecstatic with the point gained. Bullets are now on 18 points, two behind 15th-placed Sheasham, who will take on Yadah Stars today at Baobab Stadium.
“I am very happy about the point we got; it was a big achievement for us,” said Saruchera.
“The boys had good fighting spirit; they fought so hard and I think we are moving in the right direction to survive relegation.
“We are actually dangerous in the second half of the season. Cranborne Bullets are here to stay,” declared Saruchera.
Black Rhinos, on the other hand, kept their hopes of survival alive when they cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win over Bulawayo Chiefs at Bata Stadium yesterday.
The army side had gone on a five-match winless run in which they only managed to collect three points from a possible 15, but a second-half penalty by Nkosi Mhlanga and a Garikai Dematsika goal ensured Chauya Chipembere put an end to it.
Coach Saul Chaminuka was elated that his side managed to score twice and put their points tally to 15 despite remaining at the bottom of the log standings.
“This is something we have been yearning to do — to win at home. Winning here today is a message to the boys that this is home and we have to win more,” he said.
Results at a glance
Black Rhinos 2-0 Bulawayo Chiefs
Chicken Inn 0-0 Cranborne Bullets
FC Platinum 2-0 Highlanders
Green Fuel 1-0 Hwange
Ngezi Platinum 3-0 Triangle
ZPC Kariba 0-0 Caps United
Online Reporter
Tinaye Agere