Hre City rue missed chances in Hwange defeat
Hwange 2-1 Harare City VISITING Harare City learnt the hard way that games are won by converting chances that fall your way after falling to Hwange in an exciting Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played in searing heat at the Colliery Stadium yesterday.
Young Pritchard Mpelele gave Hwange the lead in the 35th minute when he majestically rose to connect a well-taken Phakamani Dube free-kick into the roof of the nets.
Defender David Boriwondo doubled the home team’s advantage in the 65th minute, heading home a Farai Vimisai corner kick.
Hwange’s celebrations were short-lived as referee Martin Chivandire awarded Harare City what looked like a harsh penalty when he adjudged that goalkeeper Tymon Mvula upended speedster Martin Vengesayi in a tussle for possession inside the box.
Raphael Manuvire stepped up to send Mvula the wrong way to ensure a nail-biting finish to the game.
Moses Chunga’s lads started the match in blistering style, with their attacks revolving around Vengesayi and Tatenda Tumba.
With just two minutes on the clock, Vengesayi beat Hwange defender Boriwondo for pace on the right flank and laid an inviting pass to Manuvire, who directed his effort off target with keeper Mvula to beat.
Hwange’s player of the moment Gift Mbweti thought he had scored the breakthrough in the fifth minute when he found the back of the net from a goalmouth melee, but referee Chivandire ruled it out after first assistant referee Brilliant Sibanda flagged for an infringement on goalkeeper Maxwell Nyamupanendengu by Gilbert Zulu in the build-up to the goal.
Wiliam Manondo was denied from close range by the enterprising Mvula in the 10th minute as the Sunshine Boys continued to impose their early dominance of the game.
Hwange almost raced into the lead in the 25th minute after Mvula’s long clearance was cleverly flicked by Zulu into the path of an onrushing Mpelele, and although his firsttime volley beat goalie Nyamupanedengu, it cannoned off the left upright and out for a goal kick.
Hwange coach Mebelo Njekwa was a happy man after the match.
“I am very happy because we are improving in every match as we aim for a strong finish to the end of the season. We look forward to the next encounter,” said Njekwa.
Chunga blasted his players for approaching the match in a poor mental state.
“Firstly can I congratulate the referees for a job well done today. My players approached the match lightly, perhaps they are focusing on the upcoming Chibuku Super Cup semi-final match which is wrong in football as every match is important,” said Chunga.