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Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
Scottland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2) 2
ZPC Kariba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
TYMON MACHOPE continued with his scoring form yesterday as he propelled Scottland to the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League log standings, his first half brace making all the difference at Rufaro yesterday.
By the time ZPC Kariba’s Charles Munyanyi netted a late consolation in stoppage time, it proved a little too late to salvage at least a point for the visitors as Scottland held on to see out the remaining minutes and secure three price-less points.
Courtesy of Machope’s goals, Scottland dislodged Simba Bhora from the summit of the standings and opened a two-point lead over the champions who have 47.
Simba Bhora could, however, reclaim top spot if they beat MWOS at Ngoni in Norton today.
Machope had always threatened to get the breakthrough as the hosts came out firing early on.
In the fifth minute, former Simba Bhora man, Machope forced a stunning save from ZPC Kariba goalkeeper Tatenda Munditi off a powerful header.
Veteran defender Godknows Murwira was next to test Munditi’s reflexes, unleashing a powerful free-kick, which the visitors’ goalkeeper parried away.
Scottland’s persistence paid off in the 11th minute when Murwira’s set-piece was spilled by Munditi in a rare fault by the goalkeeper.
This allowed a lurking Machope to pounce and slot home his first for the day.
Machope then doubled his tally in the 32nd minute, capitalising on a defensive error to beat Munditi with a composed finish.
ZPC Kariba nearly pulled one back before half-time, but Collen Muleya’s effort was expertly saved by Scottland’s Kelvin Shangiwa.
The visitors emerged with renewed vigour in the second half.
They also made a goalkeeping change, introducing new Future Sibanda for Munditi.
The seasoned Moses Demera and substitute Wayne Kamurai also came close for ZPC Kariba but Shangiwa stood firm, making crucial stops to preserve Scottland’s lead.
ZPC Kariba then mounted a late surge which resulted in Munyanyi’s stoppage-time strike, however, proved to be mere consolation.
Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya, voted the PSL July Coach of the Month, praised his team’s hunger after registering their sixth consecutive league win.
“We’re on a fantastic run, six wins in the league and a strong cup performance.
“The players are fighting for every point and the new signings have added real quality.
“When you have a squad this determined, as a coach, you can’t ask for more,” said Ndiraya.
ZPC Kariba coach Newton Chitehwe blamed defensive blunders for the defeat but saluted his team for their determination.
“We played well, especially in the second half, but two first-half mistakes cost us.
“The boys showed character after the break and had luck been on our side, we could have scraped something.
“Still, I’m proud of their response,’’ Chitehwe said.
