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Oscar Rusenga in TRIANGLE
Manica Diamonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)1
Herentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)1
A SECOND half strike from Herentals substitute Stanley Murove cancelled out Talent Chamboko’s first half goal as Herentals fought hard for a priceless point on the road against high-riding Manica Diamonds at Gibbo yesterday.
Fellow Harare side Yadah finally snapped a four-match losing streak when they beat Sheasham 2-0 courtesy of goals from Jerry Chipangura and Russell Chifura.
But Manica Diamonds should have been disappointed yesterday after wasting a glut of scoring opportunities especially in the first half.
The Gem Boys’ first chance fell to their captain Liberty Chakoroma but his headed effort was cleared off the line by Davison Marowa with goalkeeper Nevermind Antonio a well beaten man in the 28th minute.
The Gem Boys failed to capitalise after another well worked move involving Bret Amidu and Michael Tapera, with Richard Kawondera’s first time volley also narrowly missing the target.
Herentals eventually succumbed to pressure on the cusp of halftime when goalkeeper Antonio failed to deal with a long throw-in from Lawrence Masibera to allow Chamboko to head home the Gem Boys’ opener.
The Students came back stronger in the second half after some tactical substitution as Herentals head coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziwa introduced Stanley Murove and Blessing Majarira who replaced Innocent Benza and Godfrey Mukambi respectively.
The first real chance for the visitors came in the 54th minute, man of the match Marowa couldn’t believe his eyes when his header was evenly matched by goalkeeper Tedious Baye.
Herentals were not to be denied six minutes later as Murove finished a brilliant team goal after some good exchanges between Marowa, Blessing Phiri and Prince Chama.
Herentals looked content with an away draw as they protected their goal resolutely as they made sure league top goal Fortune Binzi was kept quiet with the trio of Christian Nyatondo, Gibson Chinobva and Phiri doing everything within their powers to make sure they come out of Gibbo with a point. The Students’ coach Mutiwekuziwa was happy with the result especially against one of the season’s top teams.
“I am impressed by the team, particularly the comeback after Manica took the lead in the first half.
“They were physically better than us but we managed to contain them and get a point. It’s positive ahead of our next game against Ngezi Platinum.
Despite being held at home, Manica Diamonds gaffer Jairos Tapera was impressed by his team’s performance as they maintained third spot on the log standings.
“We played excellently; we were in control of the game from the start to probably the time they scored.
Defensively we are so organised and we also created a lot of chances, but that’s football. I am happy with the draw, happy with the point,” said Tapera.
Teams:
Manica Diamonds: Tedious Baye, Lawrence Masibera (Gerald Bhero 79min), Farai Banda, Tawanda Chisi, Trevor Mavhunga, Liberty Chakoroma (Tawanda Macheke 64min), Ralph Kawondera, Bret Amidu, Michael Tapera (Jeffrey Takunda 64min), Fortune Binzi, Talent Chamboko
Herentals: Nevermind Antonio, Christian Nyatondo, Innocent Benza (Stanley Murove 46min), Gibson Chinobva, Godfrey Mukambi (Blessing Majarira 46min), Davison Marowa (Brighton Majarira 82min), Tinotenda Benza (Zibusiso Ruguchu 90min), Peter Chota, William Kapumha, Blessing Phiri, Prince Chama (Tafadzwa Jimu 86min)
Online Reporter