Monomotapa . . . (0) 0 Hwange . . . . . . . . (0) 1
High-riding Hwange kept alive their hopes of snatching the title from the leading teams with a slender win against relegation-threatened Monomotapa in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played in front of a small crowd at Rufaro Stadium on Friday.
Second-half substitute Gilbert Zulu slammed past goalkeeper Jorum Muchambo right at the death to break the hearts of Monomotapa players who were clearly the better side of the two teams especially in the second half and probably deserved at least a point.
With Friday’s win, Hwange added their points tally to 43 and are now tied with third-placed Motor Action who enjoy a better goal difference.
As for Monoz, relegation worries are mounting.
The 2009 league champions are on 11th position with 29 points, just two points away from Shabanie Mine positioned at the relegation cut-off point.
Yesterday’s win adds to a series for Hwange in the last few matches that have seen them closing the gap with log leaders to just six points and coach Nation Dube believes his team has a chance.
“This was another set of precious points for us, but we will take each game as it comes. The race is still open for all the top four teams and anyone can win the title. We will have to win our remaining four matches and see where fate will leave us,” said Dube.
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Hwange is playing three of their last four matches at their fortress, the Colliery, which could prove to be an advantage for them.
Monomotapa coach Taurai Mangwiro looked unsettled at the final whistle.
The man who doubles up as the Under-20 coach touched his waist, his head and shook in disbelief after watching his goal-shy team letting him down by squandering numerous chances created and then conceding a late goal.
“We are aware of the situation we are in, but I’m not throwing the towel as yet. The job will not be easy in the remaining fixtures, but like I always say you need a bit of luck to win matches. Like today we had done enough to win the match, unfortunately we lost to a last-minute sucker-punch, but we will not lose hope,” said Mangwiro.
