Ngezi Platinum Stars . . . (0)0
Simba Bhora . . . . . . . . . . . (1)1
SIMBA Bhora claimed their first win in 10 matches after upsetting high-flying Ngezi Platinum Stars courtesy of a solitary Alex Mandinyenya strike at Baobab Stadium yesterday.
This win is a massive relief for under fire coach Tonderai Ndiraya who had seen his side slump into the relegation zone.
Simba Bhora last won a league match way back on April 14 after a 2-0 victory over Hwange in Harare.
"It was a tough one for us, Ngezi are a very strong side. They have been together for quite a while now and they have got quite a lot of exciting youngsters. I am happy for the team, it's been a long time without getting maximum points, a situation which doesn't reflect well on the team," Ndiraya said.
Looking for their first win in a while, Simba Bhora started brightly and could have taken an early lead as Mandinyenya's curling shot from the edge of the box flew just over.
The visitors' goalkeeper Simbarashe Chinani had to be alert to keep out a dangerous Qadr Amini free kick in the 17th minute.
Moments later Tichaona Chipunza could have given Simba Bhora the lead latching on to a through ball before dragging his shot wide of goal halfway through the half.
It was Simba Bhora who broke the deadlock albeit with a bit of good fortune with a 32nd minute strike.
A tame shot by Ronald Chitiyo way helped in by Alex Mandinyenya, wrong footing goalkeeper Nelson Chadya to give the visitors the lead just after the half hour mark.
Ngezi Platinum pushed for an equalizer but the Simba Bhora defence stood firm to the break.
The hosts brought in Walter Vuwa and Macdonald Makuwe for Amini and Tapiwa Mandinyenya early in the second half as they sought to turn around the match.
However, they failed to open the resolute visitors' defence despite enjoying the lion's share of possession.
Simba Bhora appeared resolute, defending their solitary strike.
The hosts' coach Takesure Chiragwi brought on teenager Nisbert Muzenda eight minutes from time.
And it was Muzenda who had Ngezi Platinum's last chance, blazing over from the edge of the box in stoppage time.
Chiragwi felt his team did everything to win the match but it was not their day.
"We played very well and it was from the mistake that we conceded the goal. They didn't do anything but that is football. We were in control of the game from the beginning up to the end.
We did everything to ensure that we collected maximum points but this was not our day," Chiragwi said.
Teams
Ngezi Platinum Stars - N Chadya, K Chigwida, G Madhake, D Murimba ( M Gaki 73'), T Murasiranwa, M Mukumba (Nisbert Muzenda 82'), T Mandinyenya (M Makuwe 57') , F Madhanaga, L Kashitigu, Q Amini (W Vuwa 57'), V Kadonzvo (T Benhura 73)
Simba Bhora - S Chinani, P Jaure, T Chipunza, V Kawe, A Mandinyenya (H Chikosa 85'), R Chitiyo, T Balakasi, K Murera ( A Manenji 52'), R Kangadze, W Tafa, I Nyanhi