BY TERRY MADYAUTA
TELONE...........................(0)1
NGEZI PLATINUM STARS..(0)0
Goalkeeper CRISS Mverechena scored the all-important goal as TelOne recorded three straight wins to keep their hopes of surviving relegation alive, denting champions Ngezi Platinum Stars' chances of retaining the title with a 1-0 win at Ascot stadium yesterday.
Mverechena converted a 90th minute penalty after Malvin Hativagoni was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Two red cards were issued in this match as Tinotenda Murasiranwa and Xolani Moyo were sent off in the second half by referee Tatenda Bvekerwa.
The result means TelOne keep sliding out of the drop zone with 35 points on their tally with five games remaining before the PSL curtain goes down.
TelOne coach Herbert Maruwa was impressed with the result as they keep moving out of danger.
"I'm happy with the response from the boys. It's still game on, we have to keep on getting the desired results for us to survive. Now we need to remain focused and make sure that we keep collecting maximum points. It's three out of three for us. I'm happy with where we are going as a team," he said.
Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi felt hard done but conceded TelOne gave them a good run for their money.
"We are in a bad situation because every week we are getting a red card. If you look at those red cards, I think they are questionable. Its painful and it hurts. This is one of the most difficult games that we have played.
"And we just need to be strong and move forward. It's obviously difficult to play away home and playing a team fighting relegation. They can throw everything for them to get maximum points."
This one was an evenly balanced affair as TelOne were eager to keep their winning momentum after beating Bikita Minerals and Chegutu Pirates.
They were deadlocked at the break and TelOne returned with much impetus and Blessing Sahondo had a goal disallowed for offside in the 65th minute after a counter attack.
Ngezi were reduced to ten men on the 70th minute when Tinotenda Murasiranwa was red-carded after receiving two yellow cards.
TelOne were awarded a penalty on the 90th minute when defender Malvin Hativagoni handled the ball in the box.
And Mverechena made no mistake to convert the spotkick.
Xolani Moyo was red-carded just as the penalty was taken.
At Heart Stadium, hosts Yadah FC beat visiting Arenel 5 - 3 in an eight goal thriller. Mandla Mlilo and Jerry Chipangura scored a brace each while talisman Khama Billiat netted the other one.
It was Billiat's 12th goal of the season and is now the joint top scorer in the league along with CAPS United's William Manondo.
At GreenFuel arena, GreenFuel played a one all draw with Manica Diamonds. Tawanda Macheke gave the visitors the lead before Brian Chikwenya equalised from the penalty spot
Yesterday's Results
Simba Bhora 1-0 Chicken Inn
Telone 1-0 Ngezi Platinum Stars
Bulawayo Chiefs 0-0 Herentals
Yadah 5-3 Arenel
Greenfuel 1-1 Manica Diamonds