HWANGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (3) 4
HIGHLANDERS. . . . . . . . . . (2) 3
BULAWAYO CHIEFS . . . . . (0) 0
ZPC KARIBA . . . . . . . . . .. . (0) 0
HWANGE scored four goals against Highlanders as they launched their late bid to survive relegation when they beat the Bulawayo giants at The Colliery yesterday.
Hwange are now on 35 points after the home win ahead of the relegation royal rumble on the final day of the season next weekend.
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They are one point from safety which means they are still on a precarious position where their survival does not entirely depend on them.
Chegutu Pirates defeated Caps United yesterday but they joined Arenel on the list of teams that have dropped to the second tier division.
ZPC Kariba (38), Bulawayo Chiefs (36), Bikita Minerals (35) and Hwange (35) are all in danger of dropping out of the elite league with two of them set for relegation.
For Hwange, Marcelline Mlilo scored a brace, netting probably the fastest goal in the league this season after he shot past Bosso goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi 14 seconds into the game.
Mlilo got the second in the 14th minute before Never Rauzhi scored for the visitors on the half hour mark.
After Mlilo's second goal, Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu, made four changes, bringing out vice-captain Peter Muduhwa, Andrew Mbeba, Arthur Ndlovu and Marvelous Chigumira and introduced Mvelo Khoza, Brian Mlotshwa, Melikhaya Ncube and Talent Dube.
Two minutes before the break, Kelly Shiyandindi converted from the spot to make it 3-1 for Chipangano.
Highlanders' Lynoth Chikuhwa scored his 16th goal for of the season to buttress his Golden Boot award persuit, but the coal-miners meant serious business with Mongameli Tshuma scoring their fourth goal in the 51st minute.
Mason Mushore scored the third in the 73rd minute.
Bulwayo Chiefs and ZPC Kariba shared spoils in a goalless draw at Luveve Stadium.
The only spectacle of the first half was ZPC Kariba goalkeeper Tatenda Munditi being sent off by referee Allan Basvi in the first half optional time for dissent.
The power utility side’s coach Newton Chitewe introduced Under-20 Young Warriors goalkeeper Michael Kubvedzi and brought out in-field player Collen Muleya.
In the the 53rd minute, Chiefs could have gone ahead through Panashe Shoko but had his long range shot narrowly miss the upright before another effort that missed that target two minutes later.
Fanuel Shoko for ZPC Kariba was denied by goalkeeper Prosper Matutu in the 68th minute before Stanely Ngala hit the cross bar in the 71st minute as both sides continued the search for that elusive goal.
Chiefs and ZPC Kariba are on 36 and 38 points respectively after the stalemate.
The Ninjas' gaffer Thulani Sibanda says they will have to throw in everything at Manica Diamonds away in their last game to come out with a win.
"We still have got one more game. We just have to put everything in place so that at least we get a result. We have to go there and grind a result. It's not going to be easy, but we have to go there and get something," Sibanda said.
Chitewe is adamant ZPC Kariba has survived.
"These other teams will have to win 10-0, maybe 9-0. They cannot catch us; never! They will have to win with more goals and also this does not mean we are going to lose our last game against Simba Bhora," Chitewe said.
Teams
Bulawayo Chiefs: P Matutu, C Musikavanhu, L Ndlovu, E Chikwende (T Mabhena 73'), N Ncube, L Ndlela, P Shoko, G Muchenje, J Masaza, R Kwaramba, R Sibanda
ZPC Kariba: T Munditi (red card 45') B Mutukure, K Madima, N Gurende, C Muleya, K Dzingayi, T Pio, F Shoko, L Murape (M Kubvedzi 45+2'), S Ngala, M Gavaza