Online Reporter
Onward Gangata, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Kwekwe United 1-2 Simba Bhora
SIMBA BHORA stormed to the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table after a dramatic last-gasp win over Kwekwe United in an emotional and entertaining encounter at Bata Stadium yesterday.
The reigning champions needed a stoppage-time strike from Trevor Mavhunga to secure all three points and move to 18, drawing level with MWOS, who are in action today.
It looked like the match was heading for a draw when Simba Bhora won a corner deep into added time. In the ensuing goalmouth scramble, Mavhunga reacted quicker than Kwekwe United defenders to toe-poke the ball home.
Veteran winger Never Tigere had earlier given Simba Bhora the lead in the first half, but substitute Mbongeni Minezhi levelled for the Gold Boys after the break.
Simba Bhora have now stretched their unbeaten run to five matches.
However, the Shamva-based outfit should have wrapped up the game much earlier, only to be let down by wasteful finishing that nearly gifted Kwekwe United a point.
“It’s a game we could have easily won in the first half, but we wasted a lot of chances,” admitted Simba Bhora coach Joel Luphahla.
“I suppose it’s fatigue creeping in; we have another difficult game coming up at the weekend, so there was pressure. But I’m glad we managed to win.”
Simba Bhora were quicker off the blocks, with some slick interchanges early on. Kwekwe United goalkeeper Lenon Gonese was called into action early, denying Mavhunga’s effort from distance.
Moments later, Simba Bhora had a penalty appeal turned down by referee Grace Gimo after Isakar Guribab appeared to be brought down in the box. The breakthrough eventually came after 26 minutes, with Tigere curling in a beautiful free-kick from the edge of the box.
The goal gave Simba Bhora extra impetus as they relentlessly attacked the Kwekwe United goal area.
Gonese kept the Gold Boys in the match with a string of fine saves, including a brilliant reflex stop to deny Isheanesu Mauchi’s goal-bound header off a corner.
