Online Reporter
Taddy Manyepo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Scottland 1 Manica Diamonds 0
SCOTTLAND climbed to the summit of the Premier Soccer League with a sharp yet nervy 1–0 victory over Manica Diamonds at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.
Captain Walter Musona struck the decisive blow just three minutes into the match, latching onto a loose ball and volleying past goalkeeper Tedious Baye with the outside of his boot. The early goal gave Scottland temporary control of the league standings, as reigning champions Simba Bhora were not in action, having shifted focus to the Caf Champions League.
The Mabvuku-based side now lead the table with 56 points, one ahead of Simba Bhora, who still have a game in hand. The win ended a three-match winless streak and brought welcome relief to head coach Tonderai Ndiraya.
“Of course I’m very happy to have seen this one off,” Ndiraya said. “It was a match in which we had to throw caution to the wind. We had to field all six players who also feature for the national team. We needed to attack and get the goals. I knew we would get something from those players, and indeed Walter Musona stepped up at the right time to give us the winner.
“I cannot say that just because we’re now top of the log we have it in our hands — no. Simba Bhora still have control, and we can only focus on ourselves and continue to play well. But we really needed this win after three consecutive games without victory. I’m very pleased.”
Ndiraya’s bold 4-1-3-2 formation told its own story. Kingsley Mureremba operated as the lone shield in front of a back four comprising Godknows Murwira, Kelvin Moyo, Peter Muduhwa, and Albert Manenji. Ahead of him, Walter Musona, Khama Billiat, and Knowledge Musona supported strikers Terrence Dzvukamanja and Tymon Machope.
The system generated plenty of attacking momentum early on, unsettling a Manica Diamonds side still hovering near the relegation zone. After the opener, Scottland looked poised to extend their lead but lacked precision in front of goal. Dzvukamanja, Machope, and Knowledge Musona all missed chances, while Walter Musona was denied a second by Baye in the second-half. Manica Diamonds gradually found their rhythm and forced Scottland onto the defensive. Goalkeeper Nelson Chadya responded with three crucial saves to preserve the slender lead and secure all three points.
Teams
Scottland: Nelson Chadya, Kelvin Moyo, Godknows Murwira, Peter Muduhwa, Khama Billiat (Moses Shidolo 70), Kingsley Mureremba, Knowledge Musona (Khuda Myaba 89), Walter Musona (Mthokozisi Msebe 87), Albert Manenji, Tymon Machope (Mafios Chihweta 70), Terrence Dzvukamanja.
Manica Diamonds: Tedious Baye, Lawrence Mhlanga, Lawrence Masibera, Farai Banda, Ask Rupande, Jeffrey Takunda, Rainsome Pavari (Fortune Binzi 46), Charles Teguru (Nigel Mpinduki 46), Sibusiso Ndlovu (Kudzai Dhemere 70), Emmanuel Mandiranga (Evans Katema 46),
This shows how low our football has sunk when a band of geriatrics lead the log. Scottland is practically an old players home.