adminOscar Rusenga in TRIANGLE
Triangle …………………………..(0) 3
Chapungu …………………………….0
IT was a Good Friday for hosts Triangle as they registered their second win in three games against a barren Chapungu side who have failed to register a single goal in this season’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
Three second half goals from Young Warriors international Praise Tonha, Pasca Manhanga and goalkeeper Ronald Mudimu at Gibbo were enough to send the hosts into second position on the log after a dull first half.
Both sides failed to create clear-cut chances in the first stanza and it was Chapungu coach, John Nyikadzino, who turned to his bench to make a tactical change after 36 minutes, taking off Lawrence Mapuya for Ngonidzashe Murisa.
Triangle pushed forward in the second period with substitutes Hillary Bakacheza and another Under-23 international — Malvin Gaki — changing the complexion of the game.
The Sugar Sugar Boys finally broke the deadlock on the hour mark when Bakacheza was brought down from about 35 metres out of the Chapungu goal.
Midfielder Tonha stepped up to score one of the best goals of his career as he hit a thunderous dipping shot that left Chapungu goalkeeper Talbert Shumba rooted on his line.
Even Nyikadzino could only admire Tonha’s strike during the post match interviews.
“Brilliant football from Triangle and we can’t complain, that free-kick changed everything and I repeat, that the free-kick was just fantastic”, said Nyikadzino.
Nyikadzino was also worried about his side’s lack of goals.
Triangle added their second 10 minutes later when Manhanga ghosted in to score his second goal of the season after Gaki had dribbled past the Chapungu goalkepper and set him up with a pass on the back post.
Chapungu could have pulled one back but veteran striker Philip Marufu was denied by a goal line clearance by Nelson Meson in the 80th minute.
Hardlife Mavhundi won a penalty in injury time when he was brought down in the box and referee Arnold Ncube did not hesitate to point to the spot and penalty specialist Mudimu took up the challenge and sent Shumba the wrong way.
Triangle coach Kelvin Kaindu was happy that, for the first time this season, his charges had avoided conceding a goal.
Online Reporter