Online Reporter
Oscar Rusenga in Triangle, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Triangle United 0-0 Scottland
GENESIS Mangombe returned to haunt his former club as Triangle United extended their unbeaten run to five matches, holding high flying Scottland FC to a goalless draw in a tense Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash at a packed Gibbo Stadium yesterday.
Facing the club he helped guide to promotion just last year, Mangombe’s Triangle played with spirit and structure, and were unlucky not to claim all three points.
“As a coach, it’s normal to want to prove a point, that you’re capable of building and transforming a team,” Mangombe said.
“The way my boys are playing is exactly how I want them to. We’re improving with each game, but we need to be more clinical in front of goal. We didn’t lose, and in a relegation fight, avoiding defeat is crucial.”
The Lowveld side came out firing, with Aaron Zeka, in rich form, forcing Scottland goalkeeper Talbert Shumba into a sharp save in the 25th minute. Triangle dominated possession, playing confidently and with pace, hallmarks of Mangombe’s style.
Reginalt Ngazima was outstanding in midfield, stifling the influence of Khama Billiat, Walter Musona, and Mtokhozisi Msebe.
Musona eventually tested Triangle’s teenage goalkeeper David Mukuze with a trademark free-kick, but the 19 year old debutant responded brilliantly.
With all three senior goalkeepers unavailable, Hamilton Makainganwa out for the season with a double fracture, Prince Mujuru sidelined, and Wilson Changani suspended, the task fell to Mukuze, a Sixth Form student at Mufakose High School.
Thrown into the deep end, the teenager rose to the occasion with composure, keeping a clean sheet and earning praise from the terraces.
Scottland struggled to impose themselves early on but nearly snatched the lead on the stroke of half-time through Khama Billiat, whose shot was blocked in a crowded area.
After the break, Triangle kept pushing. Witness Shave went close just after the hour mark, forcing another smart save from Shumba.
In a moment of deja vu, Blessing Chiota, who scored an own goal in stoppage time in the reverse fixture at Rufaro, almost repeated the mishap, miscuing a header back towards goal, but Praise Machengete reacted quickly to clear off the line in the 75th minute.
Zeka nearly won it late for Triangle, flashing a shot inches wide, prompting a furious Shumba to berate his defenders, urging them to stay alert.
Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya was satisfied with a hard fought point and acknowledged Triangle’s resurgence.
“It was a very balanced game. Gibbo is a difficult place to get points, and we’re one of the few teams to come here and get something,” he said.
“Triangle are coming off a 5–1 win over GreenFuel and to play the way we did is commendable. A very, very massive point for us.”
Line-ups
Triangle: David Mukuze, Jordan Pedra, Joel Munsaka, Praise Machengete, Blessing Chiota, Reginalt Ngazima, Thabani Kamusoko, Aaron Zeka, Witness Shave, Tawanda Chatuluka, Menford Mudzimu (Munashe Bamara 69’)
Scottland: Talbert Shumba, Peter Mudhuwa, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Khama Billiat (Michael Tapera 60’), Gareth Madhake, Kevin Moyo, Mtokhozisi Msebe, Walter Musona (Panashe Mutimbanyoka 53’), Emmanuel Saidi, Tadiwa Chakuchichi (Lynoth Chikuhwa 60’), Fredrick Botchway.
