Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
Scottland……………………………….(0) 1
Triangle……………………………………..0
WHAT a relief it was for Scottland yesterday at Rufaro!
The Premiership newboys, parading a galaxy of stars in their expensively assembled outfit, were reduced to an ordinary unit by Luke Masomere’s visiting Triangle, who with a bit of luck could have spoiled the day for the hosts.
But at the end of the day, Scottland could still afford to celebrate in the VIP area the birthday of club owner Scott Sakupwanya, who was part of a good crowd that thronged the opening match of the 2025 season.
A 90th minute communication breakdown in the Triangle penalty box handed Mabviravira the win.
Triangle defender Blessing Chiota scored an own goal when he chested the ball past his goalkeeper Hamilton Makainganwa, to dent what could have been an impeccable performance in the wingback position.
Chiota, along with fellow defenders Kelvin Damalankunda, Carlos Musimwa and Zivanai Chiengora kept at bay the Scottland stars Walter Musona, Tymon Machope and Lynoth Chikuhwa for the entire period.
The frustration was palpable among the home team players, with Musona being booked after tempers flared in an altercation with midfielder Ali Sadiki in the first half.
There were high expectations for the trio, who scored 38 goals between themselves last season but the Triangle defence was resolute such that the 90th minute goal was celebrated by the hundreds of fans that were bused from Mabvuku as if Scottland had won the title.
But their coach Tonderai Ndiraya welcomed the victory with mixed emotions.
“I think this is historic for us as a team. First game in the topflight league, then you start that with a win, you can’t ask for more,” said Ndiraya.
The former Dynamos and Simba Bhora coach gave a frank assessment of his team’s performance and revealed was not entirely pleased by what he saw from his charges.
“What is important for us is that we have taken off. It was difficult, I must admit,” he said.
“We always knew that it was going to be difficult. Despite having a galaxy of stars in our team, I think it’s important to understand that football is a process.
“You may buy whoever you want from the market, but in the end the players have to understand each other and play as a team in the long run.
“That is a process. It doesn’t happen in one day. It doesn’t happen during pre-season. I think with more games, the team will start to play as a team.
“At the moment, we are not a team yet, but I think what is important is what we have done here today; getting maximum points.”
A good crowd turned up at Rufaro for the opening match of the season and the two teams did not disappoint.
Triangle, who are returning to the topflight league, matched their fancied opponents in every department and their coach Luke Masomere felt they were unlucky to finish on the losing side.
“I think we played very well,” Masomere said.
“The performance of the guys was very, very pleasing. Unfortunately, the results were not in our favour, but I’m happy with the way my players played today, apart from the fact that I was also missing quite a number of senior players through injury and also illness.
“But I think going forward, we know where to start from now. I think we really played well.
“We just have to continue improving. I think we will get there. When you say a game that you pulled off, it doesn’t make much of a point,” said Masomere.
Scottland enjoyed most of the ball early on, but they could not get clear cut chances.
Surprisingly, Triangle also had a good number of supporters behind them and cheering most of their moves. Dreadlocked midfielder Munashe Bamara stole the hearts of the neutrals with his sleek moves, which drew wild cheers from the terraces.
Some felt these were not genuine Triangle supporters but dejected Dynamos and CAPS United fans who staged protest support against Scottland, a team that caused so much disruption during the preseason by raiding their top players.
Scottland could have taken the lead soon after the resumption after Triangle gave away possession cheaply in a dangerous area. But Chikuhwa dragged his effort wide after being set by Musona.
And with no shot on target registered for close to an hour, Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya felt he needed to overhaul his strikeforce, introducing Panashe Mutimbanyoka, Sadney Urikhob and Michael Tapera in the second half.
Mutimbanyoka almost made an immediate impact, but his rising effort was deflected to the woodwork in the 62nd minute.
Then moments later goalkeeper Makainganwa fumbled a cross from Urikhob but Mutimbanyoka was a bit late before the ball was cleared to safety.
With the clock winding down, Scottland defender Peter Muduhwa attempted a long-range strike, but his shot just went wide. But it was not long before Chiota turned the ball into his own nets from close range.
Teams:
Scottland: T. Shumba, G. Murwira, R. Pfumbidzai (M. Tapera, 69th min) P. Muduhwa, K. Moyo, A. Botchway, A. Manenji (P. Mutimbanyoka, 50th min), V.Kawe (K. Jaison, 84th min), T. Machope, W. Musona, L. Chikuhwa (S. Urikhob, 69th min)
Triangle: H. Makainganwa, K. Damalankunda, C. Musimwa, Z. Chiengora, B. Chiota, T. Kamusoko, J. Mansaka (Mudzimu, 61st min), M. Bamara, P. Machengete, E. Njini (T. Chatuluka, 86th min), A. Sadiki
