Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WITH two games left in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, the fight for survival has suddenly been amplified.
From Triangle’s heartbreak in Norton to Manica Diamonds’ relief in Mutare, every result yesterday redrew the relegation map, and with it, the fate of giants teetering on the edge.
Triangle crumble in Norton heat
MWOS 1-0 Triangle United
Triangle United’s five-match unbeaten run was shattered at Ngoni Stadium as Brighton Majamanda’s first-half strike earned MWOS a priceless 1-0 win. For the league newcomers, it was sweet revenge after Triangle dumped them out of the Chibuku Super Cup at the same venue last weekend. For Genesis Mangombe’s men, it was a gut punch in their fight for survival.
“We have to fight until the end,” said a visibly disappointed Mangombe. “It’s painful, but we can’t give up. We are creating chances but just not finishing them.”
Triangle’s late surge, led by Witness Shava and Ali Sadiki, was in vain.
After the final whistle, their survival hopes looked slimmer than ever, and MWOS’ top-two chase stronger than before.
GreenFuel’s late breath
TelOne 1-1 GreenFuel
In Gweru, GreenFuel showed they are not giving up the fight, snatching a 90th-minute equaliser to keep their heads just above the relegation waters.
Defender Darren Mutimuzunze headed home a dramatic equaliser after Washington Navaya’s opener had given the home team the lead.
“It’s a vital point,” said assistant coach Godfrey Tamirepi. “We could have won it, but at this stage, every point counts.”
GreenFuel remain in 14th place, one point clear of Triangle, a reminder that the final two rounds will be a dogfight to the wire.
Diamonds shine brighter
Manica Diamonds 1-0 Ngezi Platinum
Sakubva was alive again as Manica Diamonds turned on the sparkle to edge champions Ngezi Platinum 1-0.
Anelka Chivandire’s diving header in the 28th minute sealed a priceless win, lifting Tafadzwa Mashiri’s side out of immediate danger. “We really needed this win,” said Mashiri. “It restores belief that we can survive.”
Ngezi’s missed chances summed up a forgettable afternoon for the champions, who looked more like spectators in Manica’s survival story.
Charamba shines, but
GameCocks still slip
Chicken Inn 1-1 CAPS United
At Luveve, Chicken Inn scored first, dominated long stretches and still failed to win, a familiar theme for teams in trouble.
Michael Charamba gave them a lifeline in the 69th minute, only for Ishmael Wadi to cancel it out three minutes later.
“We went to sleep after scoring,” admitted assistant coach Philani Mabhena. “We should have killed it.”
The GameCocks now sit on 37 points, level with Highlanders and Manica Diamonds. CAPS United, on 39, are not safe either.
“We will take the point,” said Makepekepe coach Ian Bakala. “Luveve is never easy.”
Bosso hold Simba,
both still bleeding
Simba Bhora 1-1 Highlanders
At Wadzanayi, both Simba Bhora and Highlanders needed victory, and neither got it.
Benjamin Adeogun gave Bosso the lead, before Butholezwe Ncube levelled for Simba Bhora.
It was another tense, bruising draw that stretched both sides’ winless runs to six matches.
“I take full responsibility,” said Simba coach Joel Luphahla. “We hit a bad patch at the wrong time.”
Highlanders coach Pieter de Jongh tried to see the light. “A point here is valuable,” he said. “We just need three more from the last two games, then we will be safe.”
For Simba, the draw hurt more.
MWOS’ win in Norton pushed them into third place, turning the once-glorious title chase into a scramble for silver.
