dyton mupawaenda
Oscar Rusenga in TRIANGLE
Manica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)1
Sheasham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
A SECOND half penalty from Gerald Bhero was enough to give Manica Diamonds a well-deserved win and move them into third place on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League log standings yesterday.
The Gem Boys welcomed new boys Sheasham at Gibbo as the premiership action resumed after a three-week break.
And courtesy of their win at Gibbo yesterday, Manica Diamonds will be third at least until the close of League action today.
The hosts had several chances in the first half, but failed to convert as The Construction Boys defended resolutely to avoid early damage.
Even league top goal-scorer Fortune Binzi could not breach the visiting defence as he twice saw his efforts cleared off the line by defender Zivanai Chikwenhere, who also had a good overall performance at the heart of the Sheasham rearguard.
Midfielder Bret Amidu had a chance to break the deadlock as he accelerated from the halfway line to leave his marker, but his effort was blocked by Sheasham goalkeeper Elton Sibanda.
Sibanda had a busy afternoon between the sticks.
Manica Diamonds coach Jairos Tapera made tactical changes in the second half as Bhero, Pasca Manhanga and Charles Teguru were introduced.
This saw the Gem Boys also change their approach to the game, and the decision paid off.
Manica Diamonds were given a lifeline in the 76th minute, when Masvingo-based referee Jimmy Makwanda pointed to the spot after Chikwenhere pulled down Binzi inside the penalty box.
Bhero stepped up, following a three- minute delay by the visitors who were protesting the decision, and held his nerve to deliver a well-taken spot kick.
Tapera was happy with the result but conceded it was a difficult game.
“It was a very difficult game in all departments,” said Tapera.
“We did everything that we could to score, but failed to convert all the chances that we created.
“We are restarting after this lengthy break, and it was to be expected.
“The players were rusty and lacked match sharpness, but we created so many chances in a competitive game. It shows signs of doing well as a team, so we have got things to work on, and we have to perfect our finishing,” Tapera said.
Under pressure, Sheasham coach John Nyikadzino was devastated by the result, as close sources confirmed he was given an ultimatum to collect a minimum of four points from two games.
“We badly wanted a result from this game, but conceded a penalty and I will have to watch replays on the incident.
“I am not saying it wasn’t a penalty; football is very fast, and I didn’t get a clear view of how it was given. I will need to have another look.
“It’s three points gone, and I am obviously disappointed because we expected to get a better result,” Nyikadzino said.
Online Reporter