TELONE.........................(1)
SIMBA BHORA...........(1)2
SIMBA BHORA opened a healthy seven-point lead at the summit of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer log standings after defeating a battling TelOne at Ascot Stadium.
Mthokozisi Msebe was the hero for the Shamva-based team after hitting a brace that helped them collect maximum points.
Sadly, it was not the perfect homecoming for TelOne who were playing their first match at their preferred home, Ascot Stadium, this season.
Blessing Sibanda scored their goal in the first half before Msebe's brace ensured Simba Bhora collect maximum points.
Simba Bhora now have 53 points on their tally, seven points ahead of FC Platinum who are their closest rivals.
However, coach Tonderai Ndiraya was modest despite the healthy points cushion.
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"The race is still on. We managed the game well, we all saw what was happening. We knew it was going to be difficult," Ndiraya said.
"We all know Herbert Maruwa produces teams that are very difficult to beat. So, it was difficult to beat them.
He singled out Msebe for the win.
“Mthokozisi Msebe did well for us. He has been a key man for us.
"He got the goals when we needed him. He is one of the most underrated players in the team. He has been classy throughout the season and we hope he will continue in this mood,” Ndiraya said.
His counterpart Maruwa conceded defeat, as his team continues to sink into the relegation zone. They remain on 15th position with 26 points on their tally.
"It was a tough game, we started well scoring first, but we failed to hold on and conceded soft goals. I am happy with the performance. We just have to concentrate on the remaining games, it's still game on," he said.
Simba Bhora had the upper hand in the opening exchanges but the Wi-Fi Boys were first on the score sheet after 20 minutes of play.
Sibanda set them on the way, scoring their first goal at Ascot Stadium, tapping the ball home from the close range after a poor clearance from Isheanesu Mauchi.
Simba Bhora responded 11 minutes later through Msebe, with a neat turn and shoot from a cross by Webster Tafa. His powerful strike left goalie, Criss Mverechena rooted to the spot.
It remained deadlocked at the break. Msebe doubled their scores in the 73rd minute mark, this time after receiving a defence-splitting pass to make a solo run before unleashing a low shot that beat the diving goalie, Mverechena.
