IN an electrifying Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match, veteran striker Ronald Chitiyo made a stunning impact off the bench, scoring two crucial goals to lead Green Fuel FC to an important win over Bikita Minerals yesterday.
The match kicked off with high intensity, as Green Fuel immediately showcased their attacking intent.
In the first minute, striker Denzel Mapuwa's shot was brilliantly saved by Bikita Minerals' goalkeeper Tawanda Dendera, which was a teaser into enthralling entertainment.
However, it was Bikita Minerals who drew first blood just four minutes into the game.
Tadiwanashe Murasiramwa received a delicate pass from Tinashe Ruzive and managed to beat Green Fuel's goalkeeper Ashley Reyners, thrusting his team ahead early on. Green Fuel fought back in the 15th minute when Emmanuel Chikwende capitalised on a blunder by Dendera, leveling the scoreline with a well-timed strike.
The momentum shifted further in Green Fuel's favour in the 25th minute when Godknows Mutina intercepted a poor back pass from Tadiwanashe Nyakope, slotting the ball home to put Green Fuel in the lead.
The second half saw Green Fuel increase their dominance. Substitute Chitiyo, who had been waiting for his chance, made an immediate impact in the 72nd minute.
He scored with a hard, low shot from a rebound that had struck the upright, igniting wild celebrations among the handful of traveling supporters.
Chitiyo was not done yet. In the 81st minute, he received a lovely through ball from Clive Rupiya, rounded off Carlton Munzabwa with finesse, and found the back of the net once again, putting Green Fuel firmly in control at 4-1.
Bikita Minerals managed to pull one back in stoppage time when Ruzive found the net amid a goal-mouth scramble, but it was too little, too late.
Green Fuel's coach assistant Clifton Kadurira, expressed his satisfaction after the match.
"I am happy with the win. We started off badly and conceded an early goal, which seemed to affect my boys. But we recovered and started dominating. In the second half, we became more aggressive and had more possession. Scoring four goals is a very good result for us," Kadurira said.
On the other hand, Bikita Minerals' coach, Wilson Mutekede, lamented the missed opportunities.
"We lost so many chances in the first half. We have ourselves to blame for giving away those four goals. It is football, and we continue working hard. It is a process, and we believe results will come our way," Mutekede remarked.
With this victory, Green Fuel FC continues to build momentum in the league, while Bikita Minerals will need to regroup and focus on converting chances in their upcoming matches.
