Online Reporter
Oscar Rusenga in Triangle
Triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)4
Herentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)2
TRIANGLE have given themselves a strong chance of surviving relegation in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League after the 4-2 win over Herentals at Gibbo yesterday.
Herentals on the other hand have their top four finish chances up in smoke after the six-goal thriller. The Harare side never recovered from conceding inside the first minute when Denzel Chatuluka tucked home after Witness Shava’s strike was parried by Tinotendaishe Takarinda.
By the 15th minute it was 2-0, Munashe Bamara adding another as Herentals’ defence buckled under Shava’s trickery.
Shava almost made it three with a powerful drive that skimmed the bar in the 34th minute, while Herentals offered little going forward before the break. Innocent Benza tried to inspire a response after half-time, linking neatly with his son Tinotenda, only to be denied by a fine save from Triangle goalkeeper Takudzwa Chikosi.
But the home side’s top scorer, substitute Aaron Zeka, killed the contest just before the hour mark with a superb solo effort.
Herentals fought to salvage pride in stoppage time. Clemence Gobvu pulled one back in the 91st minute, but Triangle struck again almost instantly through Menford Mudzimu, set up by man of the match Shava. Erick Dombo had the final say with a last kick strike to leave the scoreline at 4-2. Triangle coach Genesis Mangombe was delighted:
“We prepared very well for this game. Herentals (are) a very good side and we needed to utilise our strength to upset them. We were aggressive in the first half and it paid off because we managed to score two early goals that eventually caused them significant damage,” said Mangombe.
“We scored a total of four goals and it’s a very good margin in this league as we look to improve our goal difference. It’s unfortunate that we conceded two cheap goals when we looked set to keep another clean sheet at home.”
Herentals coach Celestino Benza admitted frustration but insisted their season goals remain within reach.
