Ngezi Platinum Stars...(0)2
Simba Bhora............... (1)1
A brilliant second-half turnaround by Ngezi Platinum Stars saw them virtually end Simba Bhora's title defence with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory at Baobab Stadium yesterday.
The devastating defeat left Simba Bhora six points adrift of log leaders Scottland FC with just three matches remaining in the title race.
The miners' sweet victory, secured by goals from Nisbert Muzenda and substitute Farai Madhanaga, saw Simba Bhora remain stuck on 56 points, while Scottland's win over MWOS FC propelled them to 62 points.
The match was a tale of contrasting halves for the hosts. Ngezi Platinum Stars were dominant in the opening 45 minutes, creating an avalanche of chances but failing to convert their superiority into a lead.
Exciting young forward Nisbert Muzenda had the best opportunity, only to see his effort cleared off the line after he had beaten goalkeeper Tonderayi Mateyaunga.
More opportunities went begging for Marlvin Gaki and Obriel Chirinda.
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Football's cruel nature then delivered a hammer blow two minutes before the break.
Defender Polite Moyo inexplicably sent a seemingly harmless back pass from the centre circle, but goalkeeper Darlington Murasiranwa took his eye off the ball, allowing it to sneak past him and trickle into the back of the net for a bizarre own goal.
Simba Bhora, despite the lucky lead, had a strong start to the second half after coach Joel Luphahla introduced Tavonga Khuleya and Barnabas Mtuche for the ineffective duo of Donald Mudadi and Emmanuel Ziocha.
However, the game turned decisively on the hour mark.
Muzenda erased the first-half misery with a moment of brilliance, netting the equaliser with a well-taken free-kick in the 60th minute.
The home side's momentum grew, and the winner arrived in the 77th minute through two substitutes.
Takunda Benhura sent in an inviting corner kick, and Farai Madhanaga, barely two minutes after coming on for Q Amini, nodded it home to send the Baobab faithful into raptures.
The result was a bitter pill for Simba Bhora coach Luphahla, who described it as his most difficult time as a coach, the saddest day.
"We should have taken our chances, it's always been the name of the game, of late, we miss a lot of chances, we create chances, we don't score," a clearly dejected Luphahla said.
"I'm sad for the fans that they travelled all the way to come here and then they're going back with nothing... now it's no longer in our hands... we will continue pushing."
Meanwhile, Ngezi Platinum Stars assistant coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva savoured the comeback victory in the absence of substantive coach Takesure Chiragwi who is suspended.
"I think the best result ever, or the sweetest result in football is winning from being down," he commented.
"Coming back from behind makes the victory sweet for the team. I attribute this to hard work, team spirit, and teamwork."
Mutiwekuziva also expressed confidence, stating his team was not worried even when they conceded because "we were actually in control of the game."
The win marks a successful continuation of form for Ngezi, who have maintained a strong run of results in the latter half of the season.
For Simba Bhora, however, the gap has now widened, making Scottland FC the overwhelming favourites for the title with only nine points left to play for.
Teams
Ngezi Platinum Stars: D Murasiranwa, P Moyo, G Chirwa, M Gaki (T Benhura 65'), M Mukumba, O Chirinda, B Katumba, R Hachiro, T Chamboko (D Murimba 81'), N Muzenda (T Mavhudzi 81'), Q Amini (F Madhanaga 75')
Simba Bhora: T Mateyaunga, W Tafa, M Mushore (T Mandinyenya 72'), C Mukumbira(N Tigere 80'), B Ncube, B Mutukure, I Nyanhi, E Ziocha (T Kuleya 46'), D Mudadi (B Mtuche 46'), I Gurirab, B Moyo
