Super sub’s spectacular strike wins it for Masvingo

PREMIERSHIP returnees, Masvingo United laboured to collect maximum points against visiting Hwange in a pulsating Castle Lager Premiership encounter at Mucheke yesterday.
Substitute Beaven Chirere scored a spectacular header in stoppage time to deny Hwange a deserved point while torching wildcelebrations from Masvingo United players and the supporters who seemed to have resigned to the spectre of a second home draw.
Last week Masvingo drew 0-0.
Masvingo United were the first to settle and were always a menace in midfield where the skilful Hardlife Mavundu was causing all sorts of problems for the coalminers and it was not a surprise when the hosts took the lead.
Masvingo’s opener came in the 37th minute courtesy of the boot of hard-running skipper Pervington Zimunya, who connected a first time effort which beat Hwange goalkeeper Timothy Sibanda.
In getting the goal, Zimunya received a fine cross from the right by Welcome Ndiweni, torching cheers from the Mucheke faithful.
However, the joy was short-lived after Hwange equalised with a minute to go to the break after Tongai Magwendere sent a glancing header that beat Masvingo goalkeeper Francis Tizayi off a fine cross from John Kapenya.
In the 68th minute Masvingo survived a scare and had Mavundu to thank for clearing the ball from the line after Hwange goalscorer Magwendere had sent in a chilling thunderbolt that evaded Tizayi.
Masvingo could have added more goals midway in the second half as they dominated possession especially in the midfieldwhere Mavundu was playing well, complemented by substitute Isaac Chapura.
However the hosts were let down by a blunt strike force with Johnson Zimbabe being the main culprit in missing chances.
Masvingo coach Luke Masomere pulled out the out-of-sorts Zimbabe and brought on Chirere to add more potency in attack.
Barely a minute later Chirere made the difference that condemned Hwange to defeat after he headed in the winning goal in stoppage time to send Mucheke into delirium.
Masvingo director Petros Mutema was a happy man at the end ofthe game saying his young players were still learning the ropes after a three-year sabbatical in Division One.
“We are still learning the ropes but the boys played very well and wehope the team will continue to improve with each outing but we alsocall upon the Masvingo community to keep on supporting us,” said Mutema.
Teams
Masvingo: F, Tizayi, B Mazorodze, P Sinamayi, V Sinamayi, P Chandisaita, SMuchabaya, W Ndiweni ,H Mavundi,T Nyamadzawo, P Zimunya, J Zimbabe (BChirere 88th minute).
Hwange: T Sibanda, A Chuma, G Boriwondo, F Zikumbawire, A Kateve, KKashema, T Mangwendere, M Chipunza, W Mhango, J Kapenya, R Chinyengetero.