Oscar Rusenga in Triangle
DESPITE registering a convincing two-nil victory against Simba Bhora, it was a little too late for Triangle United, who were officially relegated in front of their home fans when they hosted Simba Bhora in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Gibbo yesterday.
They join Manica Diamonds and TelOne among teams headed for the lower division.
TelOne lost 2-3 to Agama at Wadzanayi, with the home team, who are now on 31 points, buying time in the Premiership and hoping to survive in the last two games.
ZPC Kariba, on 33 points, are also not yet safe and will be hoping to survive at the expense of Agama.
At Gibbo, Triangle scored very early in the first half when towering defender Jordan Pedra rose high to head home following a set-piece situation.
Congolese import Lima Ndeke got the second bite of the cherry when his corner kick was cleared back into his path before he made amends and delivered a perfect cross for Pedra in the 4th minute.
Harrison Masina almost equalised for the visitors, but his effort crashed against the crossbar from close range after dribbling past the entire Triangle defence in the 24th minute, a big chance missed for Mandla Mpofu’s coached side.
Triangle created better chances in the opening half and could have at least doubled their lead, but they were not clinical in front of goals.
Striker Sydney Urikob was getting into good positions but failed to convert; his tame effort in the 36th minute was saved by an alert Simba goalkeeper, First Gandisani, after defender Eib Kennedy failed to clear Pedra’s cross.
Urikob was a split second late as he failed to punish the visitors, heading his effort wide after a good cross from Ndeke, who had some good exchanges with Pedra in the build up as the home side went to the break with a slender lead.
Simba Bhora almost equalised through Blessed Ndereki, but the midfielder who had a decent afternoon skied his effort with the goal open from 6 yards after Enock Karembo failed to deal with Butholezwe Ncube just four minutes after restart.
Triangle doubled their lead against the run of play with second-half substitute Emmanuel Paga finishing with a glancing header after a good cross from Urikhob, who was busy all afternoon in the 74th mimute.
Paga’s goal sealed the win for Triangle, but celebrations were cut short when news came in that Bulawayo Chiefs edged Manica Diamonds and that result ultimately sent Triangle and TelOne packing. Triangle coach Genenis Mangombe was happy with his team’s performance but admitted the task of saving the team was difficult.
“We tried our best, but now that we are relegated, we need to put our focus on next season and how best we can do it to make sure that the team quickly bounces back into the Premier League.
“I am still here at Triangle; it’s a very good environment to work, I feel loved by the fans, and we are getting overwhelming support from the executive, so I would love to continue. We are finalising a few items, and if we agree, I am sure I will be around next year,” said Mangombe.
Mpofu was not happy with the way his team started and how they conceded the first goal, but admitted Triangle wanted it more, and it was always going to be difficult for them. He praised his boys for their overall performance, save for the two big chances missed by Masina and Ndereki.
