Online Reporter
Oscar Rusenga in Triangle, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Triangle 5-1 GreenFuel
A RUTHLESS first-half blitz and a fiery local rivalry fuelled Triangle United to their biggest win in Castle Lager Premier Soccer League history as they demolished GreenFuel 5-1 at Gibbo Stadium yesterday, even after being reduced to 10 men early in the second-half.
The Lowveld derby had promised fireworks, but few expected the Sugar Sugar Boys to dismantle their neighbours with such clinical brutality.
Triangle were off to a flying start and opened the scoring in the fourth minute through a sublime free kick from skipper Thabani Kamusoko, who curled the ball beyond debutant GreenFuel goalkeeper Frank Kuchinei.
Three minutes later, they doubled their lead after a defensive blunder from GreenFuel gifted Aaron Zeka a tap in, courtesy of a pin-point pass from Menford Mudzimu.
By the 12th minute, it was already 3-0, winger Tawanda Chatuluka’s skill and pace forcing Colin Mujuru to commit a foul in the box. Joel Munsaka, who has been in red hot form, converted the penalty with ease to register his third goal in as many games.
GreenFuel’s only real chance in the first-half came moments later when Chris Ngwende broke clear, but Triangle keeper Wilson Changani produced a sharp one-on-one save to maintain the hosts’ dominance.
Triangle, currently languishing in the lower-half of the table, looked nothing like a struggling side. They made it 4-0 in the 26th minute when Kamusoko again turned provider, setting up Chatuluka to slot home with composure.
Still hungry for more, Mudzimu fired home a fifth in the 40th minute, effectively killing the contest before the break.
GreenFuel had a brief glimmer of hope early in the second-half when a goal was ruled out for handball. Then came a flashpoint in the 53rd minute as Triangle defender Arnold Mawadza was shown a straight red card for violent conduct following a heated scuffle.
With the numerical advantage, GreenFuel finally pulled one back from the penalty spot, Ngwende converting in the 56th minute, but it was little more than a consolation as the Chisumbanje- based outfit slumped to their heaviest defeat in the top flight.
GreenFuel coach Tawurayi Mangwiro shouldered the blame.
“As a coach, I own up for the poor showing. We were second to everything, Triangle punished us for basic defensive mistakes,” he said.
“We made two changes from the team that played Scottland, including the goalkeeper. We had to manage the squad. I don’t regret the selection, but it just didn’t work out today.”
His opposite number, Genesis Mangombe, was elated after registering what he described as the club’s biggest victory.
“We wanted to win with an emphatic margin, and we did. Two wins, two draws, 10 goals in our last four games . . . that’s a decent return for a team fighting relegation,” he said.
“Next week we face Scottland here, and we need to keep our feet on the ground. Complacency is our biggest enemy now.”
For a team that looked down and out just a few weeks ago, Triangle have suddenly found their bite, and if they can maintain this form, they may just claw their way out of danger.
Teams
Triangle United: Wilson Changani, Jordan Pedra, Joel Munsaka, Arnold Mawadza, Blessing Chiota, Reginalt Ngazima, Thabani Kamusoko (Kevin Kanganga 60’), Aaron Zeka, Witness Shava, Tawanda Chatuluka (Munashe Bamara 77’), Menford Mudzimu (Praise Machengete 60’)
Greenfuel: Frank Kuchinei (Victor Machopa 45’), Robert Kwaramba, Brian Chikwenya (Emmanuel Chikwende 34’), Reginald Chinemo, Colin Mujuru, Chris Ngwende, Garikai Dematsika, Malon Mushonga (Adrian Silla 45’), Godknows Mutina (Simbarashe Manyoni 45’), Collins Dhuwa, Ronald Chitiyo (Denzel Mapuwa 45’)
