Simba Bhora . . . . . . . . (1) 2
Caps United . . . . . . . . (0) 1
Simba Bhora established a nine- point lead at the top with a dramatic win over Caps United despite playing most of the match with 10-men at a heaving Wadzanayi Stadium in Shamva.
Man of the match Vasili Kawe beat Caps United goalkeeper Ashley Reyners at his near post to give the hosts a 40th minute lead before Harrison Masina received his second yellow card for a second bookable offence on 55th minute.
Substitute Jayden Bakari headed in an equaliser four minutes later, but Tymon Machope glanced home a winner off a Kawe cross on 74th minute after some good work by Tichaona Chipunza.
Victory moved Simba Bhora to 63 points, nine points clear of second-placed FC Platinum who have a chance to reduce the gap when they face off with Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium this afternoon.
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There are three matches remaining after this weekend's round of matches.
Simba Bhora coach Tonderai Ndiraya was happy with the victory and how his side managed to overcome the dismissal of Masina.
"It was a difficult match for us, we were playing a very good side with quality players within their ranks," Ndiraya said.
"The game came on the background of two defeats in the league and cup so it was difficult to motivate the players. I must give the players credit with the way they played today. I'm actually surprised as the coach. We had not played with 10 - men this season and for them to perform the way they performed especially after going down to 10 men, it was difficult but they put up a good performance," added Ndiraya who also paid a full compliment to Kawe.
A frantic start to the game saw Caps United, whose players were reportedly promised $1 000 each for a win, dominating possession but there was little in the way of goalmouth action.
It was Simba who fashioned the first real chance when Machope was put through on 38th minute but he shot tamely accross goal.
Two minutes later, the hosts took the lead.
Kawe latched on to Walter Musona's pass and, from a tight angle, drilled a precise low hit beyond Reyners who was clearly struggling with a hamstring injury.
The goalkeeper immediately signaled to be substituted and he was replaced by young Rusenza as the hosts went to the break leading.
Ten minutes into the second half, Masina, who was sitting on a yellow from the first half, lunged on Hastings Chapusha and was shown a second yellow.
Moments later, Bakari headed in an equaliser, connecting a freekick after Musona had conceded a needless freekick.
Not content with a draw, the 10 - men Simba Bhora continued to attack and their bravery was rewarded when Chipunza made a mazy run through midfield before slipping in Kawe on the right.
The midfielder crossed for Machope to head home his eleventh goal of the season, to move one shy of the leading top scorers.
Caps United pushed for an equaliser later on, but Simba Bhora managed to hold on for maximum points to edge closer to the title.
Teams
Simba Bhora: S Chinani, B Moyo, I Mauchi, W Tafa, R Kangadzi, T Chipunza, J Makunike (A Manenji, 60'), W Musona (I Nyanhi, 92'), V Kawe, H Masina (redcard, 55', T Machope (P Chikwende, 80').
Caps United: A Reyners (Rusenza, 42'), I Zambezi (L Chiwunga, 46', T Matindife, 92'), H Chapusha, B Kadamanja, B Kangwa, E Manokore, K Mureremba, W Makuva (J Bakari, 46'), P Bamusi, R Chinyengetere, W Manondo.