Rhinos, ZPC Kariba in seven-goal thriller

Black Rhinos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (3)4 Kariba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)3

BLACK RHINOS kept their survival hopes alive when they emerged 4-3 winners over ZPC Kariba in a lively Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Bata Stadium yesterday.

Evans Katema’s brace and goals from Garikai Dematsika and Kudakwashe Nyakudanga ensured the army side walked away with three points. However, they were made to work for it, as ZPC Kariba got on the scoresheet through a Nkosi Mhlanga own goal, as well as strikes from Salif Cheya and Leeroy Murape.

It was a match in which Rhinos were clinical in front of goals but shaky at the back.

After going to the break with what appeared a comfortable three-goal cushion,

Chauya Chipembere’s defence capitulated in the second half. They nearly allowed ZPC Kariba to find a way back into the match and snatch a point, but, in the end, held on.

The victory lifts the Saul Chaminuka-coached side from the bottom of the log to 17th position with 23 points.

“What is important is that we won and got three points,” said Chaminuka.

“We had a good first half; I do not know what happened in the second.

“We gave away easy goal-scoring opportunities, and they did, too.

“I think it was complacency, but at least, we managed to get the victory.”

Black Rhinos made their intentions clear from the onset with an exciting attacking display.

Lot Chiunga came close to giving Rhinos the lead after seven minutes but skied his effort over the bar.

That miss seemed to be a sign of things to come as the hosts surged ahead five minutes later when Katema headed home an inviting cross from Chiunga.

Nyakudanga doubled the lead for the hosts on the half-hour mark with a sublime strike on the edge of the box.

It was all going Rhinos’ way from that point, and Dematsika made it three with an easy tap-in after the ZPC Kariba goalkeeper failed to deal with a Chelsea Nyakope shot.

However, Black Rhinos gifted Luke Masomere’s men a lifeline moments after the break, as the visitors fortuitously reduced arrears.