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Oscar Rusenga, in TRIANGLE
Triangle United F.C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)1
Herentals F.C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
A SOLITARY goal by the Ghanaian forward Wilson Mensa was enough to hand Triangle maximum points against visiting Herentals in their opening Castle Lager Premiership match at Gibbo yesterday.
The Students looked a better side in the first half and could have scored in the first 15 minutes but goalkeeper Matripples Muleya denied Ali Maliselo with a point blank save from close range.
Triangle had their first shot on target on the cusp of halftime. Tinashe Kabanda’s thunderbolt from 25 yards was punched out to safety by an alert Herentals number one Takudzwa Chikosi, as the sides went to half time break goalless.
The visitors tried to up the tempo on resumption as midfielder Edgar Mhungu replaced aging forward and club owner Innocent Benza, who could only last the first 45 minutes.
Mhungu could have made an instant impact but he blazed his effort over the bar from six yards after an inviting cross from Davison Marowa in the 49th minute.
Triangle responded with a substitution of their own, introducing Emmaculate Mawuna for Never Rauzhi in the 50th minute. Mawuna changed the complexion of the game with his quick attacking movements. Triangle were lively every time Mawuna was on the ball.
Herentals still got their way through but Soccer Star of the Year finalist Tinotenda Benza was disappointing as he drove his only meaningful contribution wide in the 55th minute.
The Students got another chance five minutes later but John Zhuwawo headed inches wide at the back post after a beautiful in-swinger from Kudakwashe Mujuru on the hour mark.
The visitors were left to rue their missed chance as Triangle scored just a minute later. Man of the match and Triangle captain Jameson Mukombwe’s well-taken free kick was converted by Mensa, who was quick to react and score Triangle’s first goal of the season.
Herentals continued to push forward and veteran midfielder Godfrey Mukambi sent his effort over the bar from a set-piece situation. That was surely the visitors’ last attack of the game.
Mensa missed a chance to cap his performance with a brace when he sent his effort over the bar following a good move by the evergreen Triangle defender, Robert Kwaramba.
Former Ngezi Platinum Stars and Black Rhinos midfielder Wellington Taderera thought he had killed the match as a contest in the 89th minute but his effort brushed the topside of the crossbar after brilliant quick exchange with substitute Brian Ngenya.
Triangle coach Thomas Ruzive was happy with the victory.
“It was a very crucial win, we have a new team and for most of the boys it’s their first time playing in the Premier League. It’s still work in progress but we take a lot of positives from this match going forward.
“We are looking forward to our next match against Manica Diamonds and we are expecting a good match of football considering that Manica Diamonds are a good side. The coach (ex-Triangle coach Jairos Tapera) and most of the players are very familiar with conditions here at Gibbo and it will definitely be an entertaining encounter,” said Ruzive.
Herentals coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva was not convinced with his charges but is looking forward to match day two.
“We did not express ourselves very well in this game. Triangle capitalised on their chance and good luck to them. It’s good for them to collect maximum points at home having utilised their home advantage.
“It’s the first game of the season. I prefer to lose the first game than the last because it gives us a lot of homework going forward. Next week we are back here at Gibbo against Green Fuel and we hope to collect maximum points,” said Mutiwekuziva.
Online Reporter