Tsholotsho . . . . . . (1) 2 Chapungu . . . . . . (1) 1
RELEGATION-threatened Tsholotsho Football Club boosted their survival chances after coming from behind to grab maximum points in a Castle Premiership clash against Chapungu at Luveve Stadium yesterday.
BY SAKHELENI NXUMALO
A goal in each half by Tsholotsho midfielders Bruno Madanhire and Rodrick “Jecha” Mufudza cancelled out Maxwell Mavuto’s 15th minute opener for Chapungu as the hosts ensured that they kept alive hopes of maintaining their top flight status.
Tsholotsho coach Lizwe Sweswe hailed his charges for not losing hope after going a goal down.
“We have always called for our boys to show character, even when the chips are down and I am happy that they fought very well after going a goal down. As long as we are picking up points then we can be able to decide our fate in the top-flight,” Sweswe said.
Second from bottom Tsholotsho took their points tally to 23 to stay within touching distance of third from bottom Mutare City Rovers.
Rovers are on 25 points following their 3-0 victory over basement side Border Strikers yesterday.
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Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino said his charges had paid the price after becoming complacent following a bright start to the match.
“After dominating in the first half my players thought it was going to be a stroll in the park, while Tsholotsho wanted it more, hence we conceded, especially that second goal which was a soft goal,” Nyikadzino said.
The visitors got off the blocks quicker than the hosts and were duly rewarded for their effort when Mavuto rifled home on 15 minutes after being teed up by Patrick Kumbula following some good build up play.
After opening the scoring, Chapungu then took the foot off the pedal and allowed Tsholotsho back in the game.
The hosts then found the equaliser on 23 minutes when Madanhire headed home a cross from the left channel by Xolani Ndlovu.
After the break the Tsholotsho technical team then made some inspired changes, bringing in Mustafa Ponyera and Denford Chirwa for Nixon Gama and Ndlovu.
The substitutes added some impetus to the hosts’ attack and they eventually got the winner on 74 minutes when Mufudza headed home unchallenged off a Trust Nyabinde delivery.
Chirwa was unlucky not to double Tsholotsho’s lead at the dearth when his effort hit the woodwork and bounced back into play, with Chapungu keeper Roy Mazingi a mere spectator.
Teams:
Tsholotsho: C Mariyoni, N Siwela, N Moyo, G Magariro (S Dube 46), T Nyabinde, Z Moyo, R Mufudza, B Madanhire, X Ndlovu (D Chirwa, 65’), M Phiri, N Gama (M Ponyera, 59’).
Chapungu: R Mazingi, J Mabugu, J Mukombwe, W Ngonya, B Zabula, C Kwaramba, G Phiri, M Mavuto (X Ncube 70’), S Maengani (A Peperere 73’), P Khumbula (A Tavarwisa 80’), P Marufu.
