Bullets pierce Platinum
Cranborne Bullets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(0) 1 Ngezi Platinum Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
THEY may have sacked Benjani Mwaruwari but there was no immediate respite to Ngezi Platinum Stars’ woes.
The Mhondoro miners found themselves on the receiving end again after hosts Cranborne Bullets snatched a late winner at Vengere, that put caretaker coach Takesure Chiragwi and his men to the sword.
Despite the game having been evenly balanced, Bullets somehow found a way to win at this venue, which is slowly turning into a fortress for the army side.
A 92nd minute header by substitute Tadiwa Chibunyu made the difference and the three points will no doubt help the soldiers in their battle to avoid relegation.
The home side were the first to settle down and five minutes into the game Bullets’ attacking midfielder Malvern Mudzuka threatened with a inside the box, which however went over.
In the 21st minute midfielder Kudakwashe Chidonza’s long-range shot from outside also missed the target as it went over the bar.
A minute later it was the visitors turn to trouble their hosts when fading star Denver Mukamba outwitted two markers just outside the box and released a powerful grounder which Herbert Rusawo in goals for Bullets pushed out for a corner.
Mukamba who showed some flashes of brilliance in the 35th minute fed Delic Murimba with a perfect pass from the right wing but he shot wide.
In the 52nd minute it was Bruno Mutigo’s turn to shoot wide after being set up by Mukamba.
From then Mukamba fizzled out of the game and was duly substituted.
The introduction of slippery forward Jarison Selemani changed the complexion for the home side as his runs on the left wing gave Ngezi some anxious moments.
In the 57th minute Selemani went on a solo run, beat two markers before realising a pass to Malvern Mudzuka, whose resultant shot was, however, stopped by goalkeeper Nelson Chadya.
An 86th minute header by Ngezi’s Leslie Kashitigu went of the target as the visitors sought an elusive breakthrough.
Bullets’ never die spirit duly paid off as they continued to pile on the pressure in time added on.
They won a free-kick just outside the box and Selemani’s effort was pushed for a corner by Chadya.
From that corner Chibunyu was to rise the highest to direct the ball into the nets, to send his team and their band of fans into wild celebrations.
Bullets coach Nesbert ‘Yabo’ Saruchera was elated by his charges’ performance.
“The fighting spirit from the boys was so fantastic from the beginning right up to the final whistle.
“They fought very well. We are on the right track at the moment because we are playing to avoid relegation and this result is important to us.
“The team is made up of youngsters and they are doing well against established sides, said Saruchera.
Chiragwi was disappointed by having to concede late.
“We played so well especially in the second half and created good chances but execution was poor. We conceded from a set piece due to poor concentration.
“What is left now is to prepare for the next games,’’ Chiragwi said.