Simba Bhora . . . . . . (1) 1
Scottland . . . . . . . . . (2) 2
Knowledge Musona scored a first half brace as Scottland defeated Simba Bhora in a chaotic match at Wadzanayi Stadium yesterday to remain firmly in control of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race.
The former Warriors skipper demonstrated his unflappable composure early on, converting a contentious penalty on the quarter-hour mark after defender Webster Tafa was adjudged to have handled a Moses Shidolo shot inside the box.
The home side reacted with fury, insisting Tafa’s arm was tucked neatly against his body.
A fiery six-minute standoff ensued, during which referee Tichaona Mbire firmly stood his ground, before Musona stepped up to coolly send goalkeeper William Thole the wrong way.
Simba Bhora roared back in the 37th minute when Petrus Simaneka pounced on a defensive mix-up between Kelvin Moyo and keeper Nelson Chadya.
Yet, the parity proved brief.
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On the stroke of half-time, Mbire awarded another contentious set-piece, deeming the ball to have struck Ishmael Nyanhi’s hand rather than his hip. Following a brief two-minute commotion, Musona produced a moment of majestic quality, curling an absolute worldie into the top-right corner to notch his tenth goal of the campaign.
It was an open, frantic contest from the outset. Musona had dragged an effort wide after just four minutes, while Brazilian forward Anderson continually tormented the Simba Bhora backline.
At the other end, Blessed Ndereki forced a fine save from Chadya with a long-range driver, before Simba Bhora squandered a golden chance in first-half stoppage time following another Scottland mix-up.
The second period delivered no shortage of drama.
Simba Bhora somehow failed to turn the ball home during a chaotic, pinball-like goalmouth melee early after the restart.
Scottland had chances to put the match beyond reach when Thole denied Abubakar Moffat, before failing to hold a long-range Walter Musona free-kick. Shidolo, however, skied the rebound with the goal gaping.
Despite late pressure, Scottland held firm to secure a precious victory on the road, maintaining a slender lead at the top. The defending champions sit on 57 points, three clear of second-placed Hardrock, who staged a 2-1 comeback against Hunters at Rufaro Stadium.
