Online Reporter
Bruce Chikuni
Sports Reporter
SUPER sub Michael Tapera was the star of the show, with a brace of two beauties, one from close range and a goal-of-the-season contender from range at Rufaro yesterday to power Scottland within one point of leaders MWOS.
The late substitute scored goals rich in both technique and precision as former England and Liverpool striker Emile Heskey watched the show at Rufaro.
This result extended Scottland winning run to three games, leaving them just a point behind leaders, MWOS who are on 23 points, after a hearty comeback in their 2-2 draw against TelOne on Saturday.
It is also a result which left a huge section of Simba Bhora fans questioning coach Joel Luphahla’s decision to make a triple substitution, which appeared to weaken the visitors and, in a way, help the hosts.
Scottland had struggled to cope with the midfield trio of Donald Mudadi, Junior Makunike and Emmanuel Ziocha.
But, when Mudadi and Ziocha were withdrawn it gave Mthokozise Msebe, Ansa Botchway and Kingsley Mureremba the freedom of the city.
And, when Tonderai Ndiraya threw in Tapera, with his pace, it turned into a master stroke as the burly forward made all the difference.
“I want to thank God for this moment, I could not have done it alone, it was His will and I am grateful.
“I want to thank my teammates and the entire team, particularly coach Ndiraya, for affording me the opportunity to showcase what I can do.
“I am enjoying every moment at Scottland, we have many stars who we are learning from,” said Tapera.
Ndiraya singled out Tapera for praise. Luphahla expressed his disappointment as he attributed their loss to lapse in concentration.
Tinotenda Meke fired the first shot on target of the game in the 15th minute. Taimon Machope had a chance in the 26th minute but he failed to convert a low cross from Walter Musona.
Isakar Gurirab missed a good chance with goalkeeper Nelson Chadya in his sights after a neat build-up play with Mudadi.
Simba Bhora bossed the proceedings as they enjoyed the better share of possession, restricting the hosts from having the ball in dangerous areas. Ndiraya responded with the introduction of Msebe, Mureremba and Tapera. Mureremba was booked for simulation in the 65th minute.
Msebe’s powerful header crashed against the upright and Tapera feasted on the rebound with a powerful strike from close range in the 80th minute.
Two minutes later, Tapera unleashed the beast in him with a stunner as he sealed the victory.
