Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Scottland 1-0 Yadah
SCOTTLAND aren’t letting up in their push for Castle Lager Premiership glory.
The Mabvuku outfit made waves yesterday, unveiling former Zimbabwe captain Knowledge Musona during halftime of their match against Yadah at Rufaro, sending a clear message to title rivals.
They followed it up with a narrow but vital 1-0 win, courtesy of second half substitute Tymon Machope, whose decisive strike closed the gap to log leaders Simba Bhora to just one point.
The result pushed Scottland to second place with 43 points and extended their winning streak to four matches, their best run this season. It’s momentum they’ll need heading into a highly anticipated clash against unbeaten FC Platinum at Mandava this weekend.
The platinum miners have muscled into title contention themselves, riding a five match win streak that’s lifted them into the top four.
After the hard fought victory, Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya praised his team’s resilience, especially given the decision to rest several key starters.
“Of course, I’m very excited that we are moving up. We are on an upward trajectory, and it’s very pleasing for the effort the team has put in,” said Ndiraya.
“But I think it was a very difficult game for us today. Obviously, because we played four games in two weeks. That’s really heavy for the players.
“We tried to add in some fresh legs. The team we played today, some of those players haven’t seen much action. But we had to go back to our regulars, and that got us the goal.
“I’m very happy we collected maximum points in a tough match.
“I must give credit to Yadah; they did well. They pushed forward in numbers, they really wanted this game. But in the end, we scored and defended our lead until the end.
“So yeah, excited that we’re moving up. Very excited, and hopefully, we can keep going.”
Scottland are riding high. Before this game, they’d already chalked up victories over Ngezi Platinum Stars, Highlanders, and Bikita Minerals.
Yesterday’s match, however, was a grind. Both sides struggled to create clear chances, with long spells of midfield traffic and few clean looks at goal.
Scottland goalkeeper Kelvin Shangiwa pulled off a couple of crucial saves to keep Yadah out, while his counterpart Tymon Mvula looked solid at the other end, until one lapse proved costly.
Midway through the second half, Machope, barely minutes after coming on, found space inside the box and slotted a low shot past Mvula. It was the breakthrough Scottland needed.
Yadah, missing suspended centre back Takunda Vareta, struggled to keep shape at the back. The defensive mix-up leading to the goal summed up their season so far.
Coach Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe didn’t hold back.
“A bad day in the office. A bad day in the office,” he repeated.
“We conceded what I could call a soft goal. Three defenders against one striker. We can’t let someone go through like that. Unfortunately, it cost us again.”
Yadah remain stuck in the relegation zone.
Teams
Scottland: Kelvin Shangiwa, Garreth Madhake, Godknows Murwira, Albert Manenji, Kelvin Moyo, Vassili Kawe (M. Msebe 53’), Frederick Ansa-Botchway, Nathan Mutasa (T. Machope 53’), Terrence Dzvukamanja (M. Tapera 78’), Khuda Ike Myaba (W. Musona 53’), Moses Shidolo (K. Mureremba 69’)
Yadah: Tymon Mvula, Ariel Makopa, Josiah Daka, Tanaka Chikumba (F. Mustafa 46’), Evans Rusike (R. Ncube 88’), Terence Maguranyanga, Luckson Ferenando, Emmanuel Chitauro, Shingirai Masukuta (V. Sango 75’), Mandlenkosi Mlilo (V. Musarurwa 60’), Innocent Mucheneka (J. Chipangura 60’)
derick.khumalo