Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race took another fascinating twist after an action-packed Week 22 programme that saw leaders Scottland continue their relentless march towards the championship, while Dynamos and Hardrock kept their hopes alive with crucial away victories.
At the opposite end of the table, the relegation scrap became even more intense as Triangle United slipped closer to the drop following another defeat, while Chicken Inn finally found a winning formula to climb further away from danger.
Scottland once again demonstrated why they are the team to beat this season. A Khama Billiat-inspired 2-0 victory over TelOne last Friday stretched their tally to 49 points from 22 matches, opening a commanding seven-point lead at the summit.
The former Warriors poster boy was at his clinical best, scoring twice in the second half to maintain Scottland’s remarkable consistency. With 14 wins, seven draws and only one defeat all season, they have also built the league’s best defensive record, conceding just six goals while scoring 37.
Their nearest challengers, Hardrock, refused to surrender the title race without a fight. Donald Mudadi and Washington Navaya scored in a convincing 2-0 away victory over Herentals, lifting Hardrock to 42 points.
Navaya’s goal further strengthened his case in the Golden Boot race as the miners remain firmly in second place.
Dynamos also continued their resurgence with an impressive 2-0 victory over MWOS courtesy of goals from Billiat Netty and Moses Demera.
The Glamour Boys climbed to 40 points, just two behind Hardrock, and extended their impressive unbeaten run. Having looked out of contention earlier in the campaign, DeMbare are steadily positioning themselves as genuine challengers should Scottland stumble in the final stretch.
While Scottland enjoy a comfortable cushion, the title race is far from over. With 12 matches remaining, Hardrock and Dynamos know consistency will be key, while Scottland cannot afford complacency despite their healthy advantage.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment of the weekend belonged to CAPS United. The Green Machine were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Ngezi Platinum Stars, missing an opportunity to keep pace with the leading pack.
CAPS remain fifth on 36 points, level with sixth-placed Herentals, while Ngezi sit fourth on 37 points after collecting another valuable away point.
The result leaves all three clubs needing near-perfect second halves of the season if they are to mount a serious challenge for the championship.
In Zvishavane, Highlanders extended their unbeaten run despite settling for a 1-1 draw against FC Platinum.
Oscar Bhebhe handed the hosts an early advantage before Benjamin Adeogun calmly converted a penalty to rescue a point for Bosso.
Although Highlanders occupy seventh place with 34 points, their league-high 13 draws continue to frustrate their ambitions. Benjani Mwaruwari’s side has proved difficult to beat, suffering only two defeats all season, but too many shared spoils have left them playing catch-up.
Chicken Inn may have produced one of the most significant victories of the weekend.
After enduring a difficult campaign, the GameCocks edged struggling Manica Diamonds 2-1 at Luveve Stadium. George Majika gave them a dream start before Lawrence Masibera equalised for the visitors.
Just when the contest appeared headed for a draw, Binwell Rahim Kantinji struck deep into stoppage time to hand Chicken Inn maximum points.
The dramatic victory lifted Chicken Inn to 27 points and eased some pressure on coach Tonderai Ndiraya, whose side has gradually begun showing signs of recovery after spending much of the campaign looking over their shoulders.
Simba Bhora also returned to winning ways with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Bulawayo Chiefs through goals from McCartiney Naweseb and Lawrence Chaziya.
Elsewhere, ZPC Kariba and FC Hunters shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
PSL Week 22 Results
Chicken Inn 2-1 Manica Diamonds, MWOS 0-2 Dynamos, Herentals 0-2 Hardrock, Agama 1-0 Triangle United, FC Platinum 1-1 Highlanders, CAPS United 0-0 Ngezi Platinum, Simba Bhora 2-0 Bulawayo Chiefs, ZPC Kariba 1-1 FC Hunters-@FungaiMuderere
