Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SCOTTLAND tightened their grip on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race with an eighth straight victory yesterday, while Ngezi Platinum Stars kept the pressure on the leading pack after edging Chicken Inn in a five-goal thriller.
The league leaders beat FC Hunters 3-0 at Rufaro to move to 46 points after extending their unbeaten run to 11 matches.
They have now won eight successive league games without conceding a goal, opening an eight-point cushion over second-placed Hardrock, who host CAPS United today.
At Baobab Stadium, Ngezi Platinum Stars came from behind to beat Chicken Inn 3-2, while Bulawayo Chiefs made it back-to-back home wins at Luveve with a 1-0 victory over MWOS.
In Gweru, TelOne and FC Platinum played out a goalless Midlands Derby that did little to help either side.
Scottland pile up pressure on title rivals
Scottland’s latest success was built on relentless pressure that exposed FC Hunters goalkeeper Moreblessing Phiri late in the game.
Moses Shidolo gave the hosts the lead after 26 minutes with a well-struck volley, before Scottland turned sustained pressure into two late goals.
In the 88th minute, Walter Musona reacted quickly after Phiri spilled Abubakar Moffat’s long-range effort to tap into an empty net.
Two minutes later, another back pass unsettled the young goalkeeper, whose heavy touch allowed Musona to steal possession and complete his brace.
The costly mistakes came only days after CAPS United president Farai Jere publicly criticised his goalkeeper Wallace Magalane over a series of high-profile errors, but FC Hunters coach Nesbert Saruchera backed his young goalkeeper.
“Mistakes happen in football and it’s part of growing up,” said Saruchera.
Scottland coach Norman Mapeza revealed his side had deliberately targeted what they believed was a weakness in Phiri’s game.
“I’ve watched some videos of FC Hunters. The boy is a very good goalkeeper, but he’s not comfortable with his legs.”
“I told the guys, if they play back passes, let’s put them under pressure. I think it paid. It was a difficult game, although they never really gave us some anxious moments. We have to keep working hard, remain focused and take it as it comes.”
Ngezi survive Chicken Inn scare
At Baobab Stadium, Chicken Inn struck first through Michael Charamba in the eighth minute before Ngezi responded through an equaliser midway through the first half.
McDonald Eddisone put the hosts ahead on the stroke of halftime with a flicked header from an in-swinging corner, but Ngnowa Hapmo restored parity for Chicken Inn after the break.
Orlando Zvavarevi settled an entertaining contest with 10 minutes remaining to keep Ngezi firmly in the title conversation.
Luveve proving a fortress again
In Bulawayo, Bulawayo Chiefs continued to enjoy life back at Luveve, where Jimu Gwara’s 39th-minute strike earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over MWOS. The visitors created the better openings, with Clive Kwangwari forcing an excellent save from Tinotenda Chinovhiringa before missing another good opportunity.
Chiefs punished a defensive lapse when Gwara reacted swiftly to a loose ball and calmly finished.
MWOS dominated possession for long spells after the break, but could not find a way past a disciplined Chiefs defence.
“We are very happy to get our second win playing at Luveve Stadium. We were fortunate to capitalise on their mistake,” said Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino.
MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa lamented his side’s failure in front of goal.
“If you can’t score goals, you can’t win games,” he said.
FC Platinum’s wait goes on
At Ascot Stadium, FC Platinum’s struggles continued after a 0-0 draw against TelOne stretched their winless run to six matches.
The visitors remained 10th on 27 points, while TelOne stayed in the relegation zone after squandering a glorious stoppage-time chance to snatch victory.
Jerry Chipangura found himself through on goal after being released by Silas Songani, but shot tamely at Raphael Pitisi with only the goalkeeper to beat.
“It was a game we could have sealed in both halves,” said TelOne coach Saul Chaminuka. “That chance in the last minute, all you need to do is control the ball and pass into an empty net. But the player passed to the goalkeeper.”
FC Platinum coach Joel Luphahla admitted another draw was not enough.
“A point is not good enough considering our position on the log. It is a huge disappointment. It’s the same problem we have always had — failing to put away chances,” he said.
