Sundaymail EditorDon Makanyanga
Harare City…………………………….3
Hwange…………………………………0
A HAT-TRICK by Ishmael Wadi ensured Harare City bounced back to winning ways as they cruised to what has been a rare Castle Lager Premiership victory at Rufaro this season.
Wadi scored his first of the afternoon in the 23rd minute before his second half brace in the 48th and 76th minute sealed a fine day in the office for the Sunshine City Boys.
Harare City were the dominant side from the first whistle, tearing apart the visitors’ defence but had to wait until the 23rd minute for their breakthrough.
Despite the big win being a major relief to Harare City coach Mark Harrison, the Briton felt that his charges could have scored more goals.
“We were more aggressive today and I feel we could have scored five or six goals but overally I am happy with the result,” said Harrison.
Harrison believes his charges’ display yesterday was the best of the season and suggested that had the Sunshine Boys started the season with such a performance, they could have been in the reckoning for the title.
“This has been our best of performance of the season and we have been looking for that kind of performance. lf we had performed like that every week, we would win the league.
“I do not think there could have been a team that could live with us in this kind of form. What we now need going forward is consistence,” Harrison said.
With Harrison heaping praises on his charges, Hwange gaffer Nation Dube was at a loss of words, blaming his defence for the defeat.
“We did not come to the party, we defended badly and that was that,” said Dube.
Harare City created numerous chances in the opening stages of the match, with Kudakwashe Musharu having his goal called off in the 12th minute by referee Tatenda Bverekwa for fouling Tamon Mvula.
Wadi found the opener for the Sunshine Boys when he headed in a Collin Mujuru cross.
Hwange struggled to break the Harare City defence with their first attempt at goal coming a minute after the breather when Eddie Nkulungo saw his effort missing the target with a few inches.
Wadi scored his second of the afternoon when he tapped in a Musharu cross inside the box.
The match had endured a 17-minute stoppage as Harare City’s goalkeeper colours clashed with the visitors’ match-day kit.
Teams:
Harare City FC: M Nyamupanedengu, M Machazani, C Mujuru, M Nyenye-diro, T Chimwemwe ( R Uchena 77th min) , K Musharu ( W Mukanga 86th min), I Wadi, T Tumba, T Tavengwa, M Muchenje, J Chipangura
Hwange FC: T Mvula, G Mulenga ( G Zulu 54th min), H Chinyengerere, G Ndlovu, F Chindungwe, A China, E Nknulungo, A Ndlovu, T Ncube, D Maposa, E Gwitima,
Online Reporter