Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze, Zimpapers Sports Hub
MIDLANDS hopefuls TelOne FC turned on the style at Rufaro Stadium yesterday, marking the halfway point of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season with a big statement 1-0 win over high-flying debutants Scottland, a result that breathes fresh life into their title ambitions.
In what was billed as a real test of their credentials, the Gweru-based outfit showed grit and tactical discipline, grinding out their third away win of the campaign, courtesy of a 48th minute strike by the in-form Panashe Mutasa.
The victory lifted Herbert Maruwa’s side to third on the log with 28 points, one ahead of Scottland, and within touching distance of the league summit as the Premiership pauses for the mid-season break.
“It was sweet. Just sweet,” said a delighted Maruwa post-match.
“We knew what we were up against. We had a plan and the boys stuck to it. They cleared their lines, stayed focused, and made it count.”
Mutasa, once on the fringes of the squad, is fast becoming TelOne’s man for the big occasion. Having struggled for minutes in the first 13 games, the midfielder has now scored twice in three matches, both goals securing identical 1-0 wins, against Greenfuel and now Scottland.
“I told the boys to stay alert, to play with caution,” Maruwa added.
“Mutasa took his chance brilliantly, even he didn’t think it had gone in at first!”
TelOne started with veterans Tawanda Macheke and Washington Navaya, the current league top scorer, leading the line in a 4-4-2 set-up. The pair operated more as decoys, cleverly pulling defenders out of position to free up space for Mutasa and other attacking midfielders to exploit.
The first-half was a cagey affair with both teams trading half chances. Nigel Makumbe tested former teammate Nelson Chadya from distance in the 16th minute, but his strike flew over the bar.
At the other end, Panashe Mutimbanyoka nearly gave Scottland the lead in the 25th minute when he got behind the TelOne defence and beat goalkeeper Criss Mverechena with a low effort, only to watch it miss by inches.
Makumbe returned with another shot on target before the break, but Chadya was alert to tip it over.
Moments later, Macheke broke clear in a one-on-one with Chadya, but again the Scottland keeper came to his side’s rescue.
Then came the moment that decided the match. Just three minutes after the restart, Mutasa lashed a volley from the right, Chadya misjudged the flight, thinking it was going wide, only for the ball to dip late and nestle into the back of the net.
Even Mutasa himself hesitated before joining in the celebrations.
Despite late pressure, TelOne held firm, with Mverechena and his defence shutting out Scottland to seal a memorable away win.
Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya admitted his side had been given a proper test.
“We played well, but TelOne was solid. That was a proper match,” Ndiraya said.
“On the goal we conceded, I can’t blame Chadya. Mutasa just hit it sweetly.”
Ndiraya also pointed to fatigue, saying: “We had a tough midweek trip to Chisumbanje, so our recovery time was tight. Now we regroup over the break.”
For TelOne, the momentum is real, and if the past few weeks are anything to go by, they’re just getting started.
Teams
Scottland XI: Nelson Chadya, Marvellous Chigumira, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Panashe Mutimbanyoka, Gareth Madhake, Kevin Moyo, Mthokozisi Msebe, Walter Musona, Emmanuel Saidi, Lynoth Chikuhwa, Fredrick Botchway
Subs: Talbert Shumba, Kingsley Mureremba, Nathan Mutasa, Khama Billiat, Tymon Machope, Tadiwa Chakuchichi, Godknows Murwira, Albert Manenji, Michael Tapera, Vassili Kawe, Kudzai Jaison
TelOne XI: Criss Mverechena, Washington Navaya, Pawell Govere, Tawanda Macheke, Phineas Chigulupate, Nigel Makumbe, Admire Dzumbunu, Milton Chimedza, Eriya Mafirenyika, Panashe Mutasa, Bruno Mtigo
Subs: Tapiwa Chilenga, Allan Chapinduka, Lucky Ndlela, Calvin Chigara, Nkosiyabo Masilela, Kudakwashe Nyakudanga, Tadiwa Mambudzi, Gerald Bero, Prince Milanzi.
