NGEZI PLATINUM STARS . . . . (0)1
BLACK RHINOS . . . . . . . . . . .. . (0)0
A SECOND HALF strike by Delic Murimba saw Ngezi Platinum Stars compound relegation-threatened Black Rhinos' woes and on their part they opened a six-point gap at the top of the standings after a hard-fought win at Baobab Stadium yesterday.
It was Ngezi Platinum Stars' fourth win on the trot as they moved to 51 points from 25 matches, six ahead of second-placed Highlanders with just eight matches before the season ends.
The Mhondoro-Ngezi based side was not at its best in the match and survived a late onslaught by the army side.
But they still got the job done and they are eight steps away from the winners podium.
Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi was pleased that even after such a difficult day, they still prized out three points.
“Today it was a tough game, the difference is on the results. These guys (Black Rhinos) came prepared and they showed that they don't want to get relegated. If they keep playing this way in the remaining games, they are going to survive relegation,” he said after the match.
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“I am happy we managed to collect maximum points at home which is good for us and now we need to refocus because we have got a very crucial match against FC Platinum on Saturday,” Chiragwi added.
His counterpart Saul Chaminuka was disappointed by the number of chances missed by his team but still feels the team can survive relegation.
“I think it's a game that we could have taken. We moved up , we created the chances but we took the shots too early. At times we over-passed when the goal is just a few inches away.
“Hopefully this Saturday we will win against ZPC Kariba. Of course, the chances of survival are still there. We just need to win games and we will win," Chaminuka said.
Rhinos had a chance to take the lead early on but Lot Chiwunga failed to direct Tatenda Mchisa's cross into goal.
Murimba thought he had given the hosts the lead with a well-taken goal halfway through the first half but the referee adjudged that the striker handled the ball before taking the shot.
Qadr Amini had provided the cross.
Murimba found the back of the net again 10 minutes into the second after he got to the end of Amini's cross and flicked the ball in but was flagged offside.
On the hour mark, Murimba finally scored a legitimate goal creating space and shooting to beat Lennon Gonese from outside the box after he was fed by Bruno Mtigo.
After that Rhinos started pushing for an equaliser but the hosts survived the onslaught.
Valentine Katsande had a chance to draw Rhinos level on 72 minutes but dragged his shot wide from inside the box.
Rhinos remain at the bottom of the standings with 20 points from 25 matches.
