Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Scottland…………………………………………….(1) 3
Triangle………………………………………………….0
CHASING a US$5,000 bonus, for finishing top of the table at the halfway mark, champions Scottland did what they could as they crushed a ten-man Triangle 3-0 at Rufaro yesterday.
The routine victory helped them open a two-point lead at the top of the table.
The only question now is – WILL THEY GET THEIR JACPOT?
There is a challenge, though.
Hardrock have not completed the first half of their season because their game against Dynamos was abandoned.
If the Kwekwe side get all the three points, they will move a point ahead of the champions.
The mathematics can wait for another day.
What matters is that Scottland are exactly where the champions expect to be.
And, they can flex their muscles even further if they beat Hardrock at Rufaro on a Sunday in a game which could draw a full house, even though it won’t be featuring Dynamos and CAPS United.
The victory was their fourth on the bounce and continued a run that suggests Scottland are gathering momentum at precisely the right time.
Unlike last season, when they trailed rivals MWOS at this stage, Scottland have now placed themselves firmly in control of the conversation around the title race.
The contest swung heavily in their favour when Triangle defender, Enock Karembo, was dismissed early for bringing down Khama Billiat as the former Yadah forward threatened to break through on goal.
It was the right call by the referee.
Until then, the visitors had competed well and looked organised. Once reduced to 10 men, they faced a difficult task against a side packed with quality and confidence.
Scottland dominated possession and territory but still needed patience.
Triangle defended resolutely, with Jordan Pedra particularly impressive at the back, and for long periods it looked as though they might reach half-time level.
The breakthrough eventually came from persistence and alertness rather than intricate build-up play.
Knowledge Musona, enjoying one of his best runs of form this season, pressed goalkeeper Panashe Nyabunga near the centre circle after the Triangle keeper ventured well outside his area.
The mistake proved costly.
Billiat reacted quickest, regained possession and released Musona, who calmly rolled the ball into an empty net.
It was a goal that changed the mood of the game and left Triangle facing an uphill battle.
Lloyd Chitembwe’s side emerged after the break with renewed purpose.
Their pressing improved and they moved the ball with confidence through Nyasha Chintuli and Jayden Bakare.
Yet the difference between the teams lay in quality and execution in key moments.
A midfield lapse allowed Scottland to transition quickly and a neat exchange between Panashe Mutimbanyoka and Billiat carved open the defence.
Presented with a clear sight of goal, Billiat showed the composure expected of a player of his pedigree to double the advantage.
It should have been his brace because he had put the ball into the back of the new earlier only to be denied by a controversial off-side call.
Defender Mohammed Issaka surged forward and beat Nyabunga at his near post to put the result beyond doubt and complete another dominant afternoon for the champions.
Chitembwe acknowledged that it was the gulf in class which ultimately decided the contest.
“I thought we played well in the first half but fizzled out in the second. The quality at Scottland is always a huge factor.”
