Harare City . . . (0)1 Chapungu . . . (0)
By Munyaradzi Madzokere
SUBSTITUTE Benson Maglasi scored the goal that may have secured Masimba Dinyero’s job as the substantive Harare City coach for the rest of the season as his 83rd minute strike gave the Sunshine Boys a hard earned win at Rufaro yesterday.
The former CAPS United midfielder, who replaced an ineffective Osborne Makuradare in the second half, hit a sweet volley from the edge of the 18 yard box that nestled into the bottom left corner, past diving Stephen Mazingi in goals for Chapungu.
It was Dinyero’s third match as caretaker since Bigboy Mawiwi was fired and he has managed an impressive two wins and a draw.
The match started off slowly with both sides sizing each other, creating few scoring opportunity but Harare City had the lion’s share of possession with the attacking pair of Martin Vengesayi and Francisco Zekumbawire causing all sorts of problems for the Chapungu defence.
However, the Midlanders were resolute in defence where William Ngonya and Blessing Zabula were rock solid while they created their own scoring chances through first half substitute Calisto Maheya.
Harare City continued on the offensive in the second half with Munyaradzi Nyenye Diro, Timire Mamvura and Vengesai coming close.
- Chapungu wield axe on Zuze
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After the match Dinyero said: “I am happy with the way my boys played. They played to instruction because they managed to contain a very physical side with a flowing game. I am really happy.”
He however made it clear that he is the Harare City coach until the end of the year even if he had lost today.
Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino congratulated his counterpart but felt they deserved a draw from the match.
Meanwhile, in Zvishavane, FC Platinum beat How Mine 2-1 to bag maximum points.
Returning from injury, Donald Ngoma put the platinum miners in the lead as early as the 4th minute. The joy of celebration was short-lived as James Chitereki hit back for the gold miners just after two minutes.
It was Obrey Chirwa who stole the limelight with a last minute winner to make it 2-1 for FC Platinum.
