PREMIER League debutants Hardrock FC kept their unlikely title challenge alive on Saturday after a dramatic late winner from Warriors striker Prince Dube secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Hunters at Rufaro Stadium.
The victory saw Hardrock maintain their three-point gap behind defending champions and log leaders Scottland FC, who also picked up a crucial 2-1 away win over Simba Bhora at Wadzanayi Stadium.
With seven matches remaining, Scottland remain firmly in control of the title race on 56 points, with Hardrock breathing down their necks on 53.
Despite their lofty position, Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu insists his side are not feeling the pressure, arguing that the weight of expectation rests firmly on Scottland as they chase the championship.
“We have no pressure. The team that has got pressure is Scotland. Our objective is to stay in the Premier League,” Kaindu said.
“I think we have done well. We’ve got no pressure. We keep on chasing the team that is on top. These were vital points that we got. It was a very, very difficult game that we played today.”
Hardrock had to come from behind after Hunters took the lead through Godfrey Dabgwa on the half-hour mark and went into the interval in front.
Washington Navaya restored parity for the newcomers in the 65th minute before Dube struck in stoppage time to complete a dramatic turnaround and collect maximum points.
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For Kaindu, the manner of the victory demonstrated the character his players have developed during their impressive maiden top-flight campaign.
“It was a difficult game because we conceded first, but the boys showed character and continued fighting until the end,” he said.
“We knew we had to get something from the game because these are vital points for us. The important thing is that we kept believing and we managed to get the winner.”
While Hardrock are refusing to get carried away by their remarkable position, Scottland showed once again why they remain the favourites to retain the championship.
At Wadzanayi Stadium, Knowledge Musona scored twice to inspire Scottland to a 2-1 victory over Simba Bhora.
Musona opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 16th minute after a handball inside the box before Petrus Simaneka levelled for Simba Bhora on the half-hour mark.
The former Warriors captain, however, restored Scottland's advantage on the stroke of half-time to give the visitors all three points.
The result ensured Scottland maintained their three-point advantage with seven games left, leaving the defending champions with little room for error as the title race enters its decisive phase.
At Mandava Stadium, Thabo Senong began his FC Platinum tenure with a win after his side edged Agama 1-0.
Kudzai Muchenje scored the decisive goal in the second half after a cagey opening 45 minutes.
The match marked Senong's first competitive outing in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League after his previous appointment at Highlanders ended before he could take charge because of work permit complications.
Elsewhere, MWOS produced one of the day's biggest results, thrashing ZPC Kariba 4-1 in an impressive comeback.
Triangle United also claimed maximum points after beating TelOne 2-0, while Bulawayo Chiefs and CAPS United played out a goalless draw.
With the season entering its final stretch, Scottland's consistency continues to put them in pole position, but Hardrock's refusal to drop points means the defending champions cannot afford to relax.
For Kaindu, however, the equation remains simple.
“We are not looking at the pressure. We are looking at ourselves and what we can achieve,” he said. “Our main objective was to stay in the Premier League, and we have done very well so far.
“But when you find yourself in this position, you have to continue competing. We will keep chasing the team at the top and see what happens.”
Saturday's results
Bulawayo Chiefs 0-0 CAPS United
Simba Bhora 1-2 Scottland
Hunters 1-2 Hardrock
FC Platinum 1-0 Agama
MWOS 4-1 ZPC Kariba
TelOne 0-2 Triangle United
