TELONE FC..................(1)2
NGEZI PLATINUM STARS(0)1
Ambitious TelOne FC put up a resilient performance to overcome tremendous second half pressure from Castle Lager Premier Soccer League leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars to earn an important win at Ascot Stadium yesterday.
Tawanda Macheke and Washington Navaya were on target for the Wifi Boys while Malvin Gaki scored Madamburo's consolation goal. For Navaya, this was his fifth goal of the season, as his stock continues to rise this season.
As a result, the Wifi Boys are now fifth on the table with 10 points while Ngezi remain on top with 13 points.
And TelOne gaffer Herbert Maruwa was pleased that his men put up a good performance to tame the Mhondoro-Ngezi outfit, as they also kept their flawless home record intact.
"I'm happy that we are doing well. We have managed to keep the winning momentum at home. It's good especially that we were playing at home.
"We watched their game against Caps United and that is when we managed to pick their strengths and weaknesses. Right now, the focus shifts to our game against Manica Diamonds.
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"So far, I am happy that results are coming in our favour and if we keep it this way, I am sure our goals will be easy to achieve," Maruwa said.
The match started in high tempo and TelOne surged ahead as early as the third minute after a sizzling counter attack that was initiated by striker Navaya who broke on the right wing, outpacing Nyasha Gurende.
Navaya's initial effort was parried by goalie Darlington Murasiranwa, and Tawanda Macheke freely slotted the ball home from the pieces.
Ngezi did not produce any meaningful chance in the first half except for Leslie Kashitigu's free-kick which went across the face of goal on the 28th minute.
They came from the break with a lot of energy and they equalized through Gaki who got to the end of a long pass by Farai Madhanhanga, before unleashing a powerful low shot past Tapiwa Chilenga on the 50th minute.
However their bubble was deflated after just two minutes when Washington Navaya restored TelOne's lead with a powerful header from close range. That was his fifth goal of the season, from a cross whipped in by Macheke.
Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi was rather happy that his men kept their fighting spirit until final whistle.
"Yes we lost but I am happy that the boys showed that they can fight until the end of the match. We are moving in the right direction," Chiragwi said.
"TelOne were good and they used their chances. We also did what we can. I always say, we can only control the little that is possible. We gave over 90% effort but it was not to be.
"We now shift focus to our next game against Highlanders which we will approach with more energy to get the best possible result."
TEAMS
TELONE FC: Tapiwa Chilenga, Pawel Govere, Prince Milanzi(Milton Chimedza 83'), Frank Makarati, Admire Dzumbunu, Bruno Mtigo, Leeroy Murape, Nigel Makumbe, Washington Navaya, Tawanda Macheke(Blessing Sibanda 83'), Simbarashe Takaedza(Calvin Chigara 59')
NGEZI PLATINUM STARS: Darlington Murasiranwa, Talent Chamboko(Tinotenda Ditima 79'), Obriel Chirinda, Nyasha Gurende(Arter Kaseke 46'), Richard Hachiro, Kudzai Chigwida, Farai Madhanhanga, Tinashe Mavhudzi(Tanaka Munemo 87'), Gomezgani Chirwa(Leslie Kashitigu 7'), Ashwin Karengesha(Takunda Benhura 79') Malvin Gaki
