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Oscar Rusenga in Mutare
FORMER Premier Soccer League outfit, Triangle, shot to the top of the Eastern Region Division One league following a thumping 5-1 win over Destiny yesterday.
Luke “Vahombe” Masomere’s charges, who were at one stage 14 points behind Wangu Mazodze, are now at the summit by a superior goal difference, with two more matches remaining.
They both have 66 points.
Wangu Mazodze dropped points for the third successive game, drawing 1-1 against Mutare City Rovers at Sakubva yesterday to give Triangle FC high hopes of a quick Premier Soccer League return.
The longtime leaders went into the game at Sakubva still reeling from their drubbing at the hands of Hunters a fortnight ago and a draw at home against Tenax FC last week.
Their latest share of spoils against City means they are now second on the log standings for the first time since matchday two.
At Sakubva yesterday, both Wangu Mazodze and Mutare City played some entertaining football in front of a decent crowd including Wangu Mazodze president, Richard Wangu Mazodze, who is an aspiring ZIFA presidential candidate.
Both teams created a handful of good chances in the first half but could not break the deadlock at the break.
Mutare City coach Kennedy Kachara made a second-half substitution bringing on veteran forwards Stephen Sibanda and Hilary Bakacheza and the two did not disappoint adding some flair and precision to an already exciting match.
Sibanda quickly registered his name on the scoresheet converting from an Andre Dzangare cross to give the hosts a much-deserved lead in the 72nd minute.
Wangu Mazodze finished with 10 men for the second successive match after Pascal Shumbaimwe was sent off for the second bookable offence.
The title hopefuls equalised in the 78th minute through Prosper Andrea, who took advantage of Mutare City’s defensive mix-up following a long throw-in.
Wangu Mazodze coach John Nyikadzino was dejected at full-time realising that they are no longer league leaders.
His team still have a lot to fight for with two games to go before the season ends.
“If you want to get promoted you need to take your chances. We created several chances but we were not clinical in front of goals. I take full responsibility for the result as a coach.
“I just want to applaud the match officials (Tichaona Tigere, Admire Chirara, Kudakwashe Chirairo) for a job well done. If we get this type of officiating in all the matches then football will win, well done to Mutare City for a fantastic game”, said Nyikadzino. At Gibbo Triangle thrashed Destiny 5-1 while contenders Tenax FC were on a bye.
Online Reporter