Chronicle EditorInnocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
How Mine 2-3 Shabanie Mine
SHABANIE Mine eased their relegation worries with a top drawer performance that stunned in yesterday’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Luveve Stadium.
They needed nothing short of a victory to bolster their chance of playing in the topflight league next season.
The win takes the Zvishavane-based side to 39 points and a draw in their last game against of the season against Yadah FC will guarantee their safety.
The visitors fought from the first whistle and their efforts were duly rewarded in the 21st minute when striker Wellington Taderera scored from a Richard Kawondera cross.
How Mine took the game to the visitors after the goal and should have got an equaliser in the 31st minute, but defender Tsepo Ranthoane missed with only the goalkeeper to beat. Farai Mupasiri should have made it two for the visitors five minutes later, but lacked composure with keeper Munyaradzi Diya to beat.
The teams went into the break with the visitors leading 1-0.
The second half began at a frantic pace with the hosts searching for an equaliser while the visitors were eager to get a second goal to put themselves in the driving seat. How Mine introduced Kuda Musharu just after the break, a move that paid early dividends as he provided the pass that was volleyed home by midfielder Adolf Muganyi to level matters in the 51st minute.
Musharu put How Mine ahead in the 79th minute when he left two defenders sprawling on the ground before picking his spot and slotting home.
Shabanie equalised three minutes later through Maxwell Murimi, who capitalised on a loose ball inside the box to curl his effort past Diya in goal for How Mine.
With the two teams seemingly headed for an exciting draw, impressive midfielder Bruno Mtigo turned hero in injury time when he scored the winner for the visitors after outmanoeuvring the How Mine defence to beat an outstretched Diya.
The final whistle drew wild celebrations from the Shabanie players and a handful of their travelling fans.
Shabanie Mine coach Takesure Chiragwi was impressed with the fighting spirit shown by his team.
“This was a critical game. We are going to fight to the end to survive relegation. I would like to congratulate the boys for the good fighting spirit,” said Chiragwi.
How Mine coach Kelvin Kaindu was disappointed with the loss.
“The referees of the day did a fantastic job. It was a very difficult game. We made simple mistakes at the back and they capitalised. We dropped vital points at home. We have one more game to go so we have to keep pushing,” Kaindu said.
Teams
How Mine
Munyaradzi Diya, Marvelous Mukumba, Nefitary Ndale, Kudzai Chideu (Kudakwashe Musharu 46minutes), Makundika Sakala, Milton Ncube, Adolf Muganyi, Pasca Manhanga (Peter Moyo 66minutes), Tinashe Makanda, Thembani Masuku, Tsepo Ranthokoane (Timothy January 78minutes)
Shabanie
Petros Moyo, Joe Nyabinde, Benjanim Makundu, William Mapfumo, Lloyd Manyande, Maxwell Murimi, Bruno Mtigo, Farai Mupasiri, Admire Dzumbunu (Nyasha Mpofu 61minutes), Wellington Taderera (Fradreck Muza 84minutes), Richard Kawondera (Wilson Mupasiri 46minutes).
Results
Hwange 2-0 Harare City, Chicken Inn 0-0 Chapungu, Caps United 0-0 Bulawayo City, Triangle United 3-0 Tsholotsho, Yadah FC 2-1 Highlanders, Black Rhinos 1-0 ZPC Kariba
Online Reporter