Chronicle Editor
Patrick Chitumba at Bata Stadium in Gweru
TelOne FC 3-1 Manica Diamonds
LAST season’s Castle Lager Premiership runners-up, Manica Diamonds stuttered once again, losing 3-1 to determined returnees TelOne FC at Ascot Stadium, in Gweru yesterday.
TelOne drew first blood, getting into the lead through a thundering header from Polyster Shoko, off a Blessing Sahondo cross ,before last season’s scoring sensation Fortune Binzi levelled just before half-time, with a spectacular acrobatic overhead kick.
However, there was no stopping the home team in the second-half, with their top marksman from last season, Blessing Sibanda stabbing home from close range after Tedious Baye had spilled a shot from Sahondo.
Frackson Bushiri put the match beyond Manica Diamonds’ reach with a close range shot, two minutes later.
TelOne FC coach, Tendai Chikuni said he was happy with the team’s performance.
“I would like to appreciate each and every player, I am very happy that we managed to collect maximum points. Manica Diamonds is a strong team and we managed to beat them, so honestly I am very happy,” he said.
Chikuni said his aim is to continue picking up points as the league progresses. “Each and every game counts and we need to keep on collecting points,” he said.
Manica Diamonds assistant coach, Tafadzwa Mashiri said this was not a good start to the season.
“We have lost our second game and it’s not looking good. But we hope things will be well for us, we want to work on our short comings so that we come back into the campaign. We need to do a lot of work in all departments,” he said.
The match started on a high note, with both teams creating equal scoring opportunities. Manica Diamonds goalkeeper Tedius Baye made beautiful saves as TelOne piled on the pressure.
After 41 minutes, TelOne FC took the lead through a header by Shoko, from a corner kick.
Four minutes later, Manica Diamonds equalised through Binzi.
Telone FC took the lead in the 50th minute through a header by Sibanda, after Manica Diamonds goalkeeper Baye parried the ball onto his way.
A minute later, TelOne FC scored a third goal after Bushiri tapped in a back pass by Sibanda, taking control of the game.
Online Reporter