adminLovemore Zigara Midlands Correspondent
SHABANIE Mine registered their first win over Tongogara in two seasons, beating the army side 2-1 in a Zifa Central Soccer League (CSL) match played at Maglas Stadium at the weekend. The asbestos miners had to come from a goal down to beat Tongogara in a match watched by a near capacity crowd, one of the highest ever attended games this season. Tongogara had shot ahead through a 36th minute headed goal by Courage Muzira off a corner kick before the Chinda Boys restored parity through Erea Phiri a minute before the breather.
Former Tsholotsho FC player Ricky Bota ensured that the asbestos miners collected maximum points in the 76th minute when he headed in a set piece after a Shabanie player had been fouled just outside the box.
The win means that the two clubs are now tied on 32 points but Tongogara occupy second spot because of a superior goal difference. The result yesterday also meant that log leaders Blanket Mine opened a four-point lead at the summit of the log standings after clobbering Kwekwe Sables 3-0 at home.
Shabanie Mine coach Tendai Chikuni was elated over the win and singled out young striker Terrence Rukweza, a Chemhanza High School protégé who was a thorn in the flesh for the visitors’ rearguard.
“I’m happy with the character of my boys especially after conceding first as they never gave up. I’m happy with the performance of Terrence Rukweza as he gave us a lot of dimension going forward and he is one player for the future.
“We now need to maintain consistency and forget how other teams play. I also want to thank our supporters because they have been rallying behind the team even in away matches,” said Chikuni.
Tongogara’s coach Ignatius Kapitapita said his charges were unlucky to have lost the game.
“It was a good game where both teams displayed good football. It’s only that the lucky team won because they had their chances and we also had our own fair share. We had more positives than negatives in this game” Kapitapita.
Results: Ivan Hoe 2-2 Nichrut, ZRP Beitbridge 4-1 ZPC Munyati, FC Platinum U19 0-0 Chrome Stars, ZRP Gwanda 0-2 Jessie Mine, Vumbachikwe 3-0 Gweru United, Shabanie Mine 2-1 Tongogara, Blanket Mine 3-0 Kwekwe Sables, MSU vs Whawha (postponed). — @lavuzigara
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter