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From Paul Mundandi in Zvishavane
Shabanie Mine 1-0 Bantu Rovers
SHABANIE Mine finally remembered how to win when they beat visiting Bantu Rovers in a thrilling Castle Lager Premiership match at Maglas Stadium yesterday. Victor Twaliki son of former Caps United player Salad made the difference when he sent his opposite number Brighton Chipula the wrong way from the penalty spot in the ninth minute for the game’s only goal.
Bantu Rovers striker Sizalobuhle Dube handled in the box and Rugare Kusosa who was very close to the scene pointed to the spot.
Shabanie could have won by a wider margin but inept shooting from striker Allan Tavarwisa and Carlos Mesi was their biggest let down.
Tavariswa missed glorious chances when he came face-to-face with goalkeeper Chipula in the 53rd and 87th minutes. The stocky striker was sent through twice but when it looked easier to score than to miss he completely failed to place the ball home.
The worst miss was in the 90th minute when Tavariswa raced to a threaded pass by Edmore Tsoro who showed moments of brilliance whenever he was in possession. With Chipula outdrawn, Tavariswa tried to lob the ball past him but he blocked his effort onto the path of Ashley Mukwena.
Mukwena who came in as a second half substitute reacted with a header and with Chipula nowhere in sight and a yawning goal in front, his header crashed against the crossbar.
That was the only contribution of Mukwena who had come in for the disappointing Mesi.
Mesi’s only meaningful contribution was in the 24th minute when he was fed by Tavariswa but his effort crashed on the left upright with Chipula out of action.
Bantu Rovers who started the match on a low note had their moments too and could have enjoyed a share of the spoils in the 54th minute but Dube’s effort hit the crossbar with goalkeeper Twaliki a well beaten man.
Bantu Rovers coach Mandla Mpofu commended both teams for a good display despite taking a swipe at the officiating.
“It was one of the best matches I have witnessed at Maglas for a very long time. We should have avoided the penalty but it’s now water under the bridge and we are now looking forward to the next game,” he said.
His counterpart John Phiri said he hopes to continue winning at home.
“I am building a team from the ashes. We lost a lot of chances and we could have scored more than six goals. Bantu are a very good side. I need to work on my strikers,” he said.
Online Reporter