Online Reporter
Tendai Chara
Zimpapers Sports Hub
A SOLITARY Russell Chifura second-half goal was enough for title-chasing N’ombeyarara to maintain pole position on the Northern Region Soccer League log standings.
N’ombeyawora dismissed a determined Cranborne Bullets outfit 1-0 at The Heart Stadium to keep their two-point advantage over second-placed Agama who are hot in pursuit.
Agama also ensured they would not let another slip-up on their part.
After being held 1-1 by Trojan Stars in a Mashonaland Central derby tie at Pfura last Saturday, Agama immediately bounced back to winning ways.
They overcame Chinhoyi Stars away via a 2-0 win to take their points tally to 52 and remain two behind Nesbert “Yabo’’ Saruchera’s N’ombeyawora.
There was a convincing win for third-placed Golden Eagles who overcame newboys Ali Sundowns 3-1 at Ellis Robins.
In the game at The Heart Stadium, N’ombeyawora attacked relentlessly as they sought a bigger winning margin against Saruchera’s former paymasters.
The log leaders had to wait for an hour before Chifura scored the goal that made all the difference.
After yet another key victory for his team, Saruchera declared that he was unfazed by the pressure that Agama are exerting on his men.
“We are still on top of the log standings. All we need is to keep collecting points,” Saruchera said. Saruchera, a master at guiding NRSL teams into the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, has set his sights on achieving that feat again with N’ombeyawora. But another seasoned coach Paul “Popopo’’ Chimalizeni has galvanised Agama and the Mt Darwin side are ensur-ing that the race for the championship will head to the wire.
Golden Eagles have also stayed within shouting distance of the leading pair, while at the lower end of the table, it also remains a tight race for survival from demotion into Division Two.
Results:
Chinhoyi Stars 0-2 Agama, Trojan Stars 2-0 Banket, Ngezi Platinum Stars U19 1-1 PAM FC, MWOS U19 1-0 Harare City, Karoi United 0-0 Black Rhinos, N’ombeyawora 1-0 Cranborne Bullets, Shamva Mine 1-2 Chinhoyi Rangers, Golden Eagles. 3-1 Ali Sundowns, Zambezi G&C 2-3 FC ODEN, Black Mambas 1-1 Chegutu Pirates
