Chronicle Editor
Oscar Rusenga in Triangle, Manica Diamonds 1-1 Herentals
Yadah 2-0 Sheasham
A SECOND-half strike from Herentals College substitute Stanley Murove cancelled out Talent Chamboko’s first-half goal to earn them 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 out 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 half-time 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 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,” said Mutiwekuziwa.
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 well, 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 79th minute), Farai Banda, Tawanda Chisi, Trevor Mavhuga, Liberty Chakoroma (Tawanda Macheke 64min), Ralph Kawondera, Bret Amidu, Michael Tapera (Jeffrey Takunda 64th minute), Fortune Binzi, Talent Chamboko
Herentals: Nevermind Antonio, Christian Nyatondo, Innocent Benza (Stanley Murove 46th minute), Gibson Chinobva, Godfrey Mukambi (Blessing Majarira 46th minute), Davison Marowa (Brighton Majarira 82nd minute), Tinotenda Benza (Zibusiso Ruguchu 90th minute), Peter Chota, William Kapumha, Blessing Phiri, Prince Chama (Tafadzwa Jimu 86th minute).
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