Online Reporter
Oscar Rusenga in Chisumbanje
Greenfuel…………………………….…(1)1
Triangle…………………………………(0)1
ALI SADIKI stepped off the bench to score a dramatic late equaliser that kept Triangle in the Premiership and pushed Greenfuel through the trapdoor at their own Greenfuel Arena on the final day of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
The result crushed Greenfuel coach Rodwell Dhlakama, who has now suffered relegation on the last day for the second straight year after experiencing the same heartbreak with Hwange in 2023.
Greenfuel opened with real purpose and nearly struck early when Harrison Masina burst past Triangle fullback Nomore Chinyerere. Masina had the chance to shoot but chose to square the ball, and Triangle’s defence swept it away in the 6th minute.
The home side kept the pressure on Triangle’s half and their dominance finally paid off. Perfect Chikwende delivered a well weighted cross and Garikai Dematsika rose to head home the opener in the 20th minute.
Triangle looked unsettled in midfield and clearly missed suspended playmaker Munashe Bamara, whose absence left a noticeable gap in their control and rhythm.
Their first real sight of goal came just before the break when defender Jordan Pedra climbed highest to meet a corner but his header drifted wide. Triangle went to halftime trailing and staring at relegation.
Head coach Genesis Mangombe, who took over when Triangle had only one point from six matches and were bottom of the log, stayed firm in his belief.
His late changes shifted the match. Sadiki and Tawanda Chatuluka came on in the second half and immediately lifted the visitors.
The pair then produced the moment that saved Triangle’s season.
Chatuluka threaded the pass and Sadiki drilled home the equaliser, sealing survival for the Lowveld side.
It was a fitting twist at a venue with history, as Triangle had also avoided relegation here after a last day fight against the same opponents in 2023.
dyton mupawaenda