Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHAMPIONS Scottland are clearly in no mood for taking any prisoners as they have upped the tempo in their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) title defence.
In contrast, the wheels seem to be coming off in CAPS United’s quest to end a 10-year championship drought, after Herentals found a way to retain their dominance over their Harare rivals.
FC Hunters are proving that they have the pedigree to stave off the threat of relegation following a key 2-1 win over Simba Bhora at The Heart.
In the meantime, TelOne are huffing and puffing in their bid to snake their way out of the drop zone.
Scottland tighten PSL grip
It was another lively afternoon of matchday 19 action yesterday as Scottland stretched their lead on top of the log table to seven points following a deserved 2-0 win over Ngezi Platinum at Baobab.
After a goalless first half, Scottland kept their patience before they eventually broke down a youthful Ngezi side in the second period to strengthen their position at the summit.
Midfielder Moses Shidolo opened the scoring early in the second half when he finished off a pass from Walter Musona with a low shot into the bottom corner.
Veteran Khama Billiat sealed the victory in the closing stages after reacting quickly to a loose ball following a cross.
Scottland coach Norman Mapeza praised his side’s patience after a match he admitted was far from easy.
“I’m elated with the result because the game was not easy,” said Mapeza.
“Success in football comes from patience and perseverance. We remained patient throughout the game, probing their defence and looking for the breakthrough.”
Ngezi coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziwa felt his side’s inexperience showed in key moments, particularly after the break.
“We had our moments, but failed to convert the chances we created.
“We conceded the first goal because of a defensive lapse and the second one came from our mistake after a back pass.”
CAPS United lose their mojo
Already under pressure after winning just once in seven games, CAPS United needed victory to keep leaders Scottland within a four-point reach.
Instead, they slipped further behind as Herentals rallied from behind to snatch this tie 2-1.
Ishmael Wadi converted from the penalty spot four minutes before the break and the Green Machine appeared on course to wrap up the match.
But they allowed Herentals back into the contest with the last kick of the first half when Tawanda Chisi drew the Students level.
Premiership leading scorer Ralph Kawondera then applied the killer touch late in the game to complete the turnaround and hand Herentals maximum points.
In other matches
TelOne struck the woodwork three times and dominated the second half, but they could not find the cutting edge as they settled for a 1-1 draw against MWOS at
Ascot.
The WI-FI Boys deservedly rescued a point in their fight for survival after Tawanda Macheke’s 80th-minute equaliser cancelled out Aristotle Manyamba’s first-half header for the visitors.
Bulawayo Chiefs announced their return to Luveve with a convincing 2-0 victory over AGAMA, which was punctuated by a rare complete performance by the hosts.
Chiefs got their goals through Clive Rupiya and man of the match Arthur Musiyiwa.
Scotland have taken four points from Hardrock and Ngezi, they have three points from Caps United and Herentals. Giving them an unassailable 14 points in that league with two games to go. We may as well conclude that Scotland are the true champions of 2026 no matter what happens, because we do not foresee them outside the top four or five. It is unlikely for any other team to break into the top five.