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Oscar Rusenga, in TRIANGLE
Triangle united . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(2) 2
Black Rhinos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
TWO first half goals were enough to give Triangle maximum points against struggling Black Rhinos in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Gibbo yesterday.
Triangle dominated early proceedings and they capitalised on Black Rhinos’ defensive mistakes to take an early lead through Never Rauzhi who was undoubtedly the best player in the field in the 11th minute.
Triangle continued to pile pressure on the visitors, who looked disjointed, with Njabulo Ngwenya and Enock Karembo dictating pace in the middle of the park.
Rauzhi was involved in the second goal after providing a beautiful assist to Wilson Mensa, who blasted his effort into the top corner and gave Rhinos goalkeeper Brian Makoni no chance, in the 21st minute.
Black Rhinos never looked threatening and their only chance of the half came through veteran midfielder Allan Gahadzikwa but his rasping effort on the cusp of half-time was thwarted by Triangle number one Matripples Muleya, who was impressive between the posts.
Rhinos head coach Stanford Mutizwa changed the game approach in the second half and they were a better side in the second half with striker Migos Svinurai and Brighton Christopher giving the visitors some belief of a comeback.
However, it was Triangle who had a chance to add a third goal and kill the match as a contest but Njabulo Ngwenya saw his effort saved by Makoni in a one-on-one situation, seven minutes into the second half.
Svinurai saw his effort narrowly missing the target, with Muleya beaten, as Chauya Chipembere pushed to half the deficit in the 54th minute.
He eventually had his name on the score sheet after he flicked the ball beyond the reach of Muleya following a freekick by Christopher on the edge of the box, with twelve minutes remaining in the match.
Rhinos have not won in their last four outings. The defeat yesterday came hot on the heels of last week’s 2-0 loss to CAPS United in their previous game.
“It was a game of two halves,” said Mutizwa.
“We started off badly and we conceded two cheap goals early in the game, we came back strong in the second half.”
Mutizwa thought they had a chance to at least get a point had they taken a handful of chances they created.
“We got some good chances but it’s unfortunate we couldn’t convert and that’s how we lost the game. We now need to have a review of our performance and see where we can improve going into the next match and hopefully we can recover soon,” said Mutizwa.
Triangle gaffer Thomas Ruzive was happy with the result and was already looking forward to their next match against champions FC Platinum at Mandava next weekend.
“I am happy with this result. We responded very well considering we are coming from a defeat against ZPC Kariba. The application was very good in the first half and we struggled a bit in the second half.
“But the boys managed to preserve the lead and bagged the much-needed three points.
“Next weekend we are facing reigning champions FC Platinum and we really needed this result so we can approach our next match with our heads high,” he said.
Online Reporter