adminOscar Rusenga in CHIREDZI
Chiredzi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
Black Rhinos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2) 2
BLACK Rhinos captain Wonder Kapinda and veteran Lot Chiwunga scored in the first half to give the army side a slim chance of survival when they edged Chiredzi at Chishamiso yesterday.
Rhinos coach Jostein Mathuthu was a happy man after collecting maximum points against relegated Chiredzi.
“I am very happy to have collected a full set of points against a very good Chiredzi side. Chiredzi played very well and it’s unfortunate that they are bottom of the log,” said Mathuthu.
Rhinos started the match with confidence and took the lead as early as the 18th minute when captain Kapinda connected home a Chiwunga corner, giving Chiredzi goalie Steven Chimusoro no chance.
Chiredzi almost replied in the 28th minute when Tawanda Muyendi’s pass found Sam Msimbu who beat the off-side trap only to see his shot blocked by the advancing goalkeeper Jonathan Zvaita.
The hosts were soon caught on a counter-attack a minute later and Chiwunga turned from provider to scorer when he controlled well Steven Matsangaise’s long pass to drive a low shot past Chimusoro.
Chiwunga almost doubled in the 31st minute but this time he crashed his effort against the crossbar.
The second half started slowly with Rhinos sitting back to defend their lead but Chiredzi took advantage and started attacking in numbers.
Chiredzi were duly rewarded with a goal for their efforts with Muyendi heading home a pin-point cross from utility player Tatenda Kanyemba in the 63rd minute.
Chiredzi coach Gishon Ntini hailed his side despite the loss.
Online Reporter