VETERAN Black Mambas striker Last Chibwiro rose from the bench to decide a tough contest with a goal of supreme quality in stoppage time in a Castle Lager Premiership football tie against How Mine at Morris Depot yesterday.
Report by Tawanda Tafirenyika
Black Mambas . . . . . . (0) 1 How Mine . . . . . . . . . . 0
Chibwiro, who came in for Honey Chimutimunzewe in the 84th minute, did justice to a cross by Paida Madziko with his downward header beating How Mine goalkeeper Pedzisai Gumiremhete to seal victory for John Ncube’s men.
It was perhaps a fair result as the home team had dominated the match for longer periods only to be let down by poor finishing.
And Chibwiro, who went into Warriors camp after the match in preparation for the friendly against Malawi at the weekend, was naturally delighted with the goal.
“It’s a special goal,” said Chibwiro. “I have not scored in a long time and I am particularly happy that I have scored as I go into camp with the Warriors. We dominated the match and this is the reward. We deserved to win. The coach told me before I came in that I should go and push them to get a goal.”
Black Mambas carved out good chances especially in the first half, but their attackers lacked composure in the final third. How Mine, who went into the match buoyed by their 2-1 win over Highlanders, only came to life late in the second half. But the home side were guilty of missing good chances which could have seen them sew up the tie in the first stanza of the match. Midfielder Innocent Nyoni had a good chance in the sixth minute, but shot his effort wide. Two minutes later, Nhlanhla Ncube had his shot tipped over by Gumiremhete.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
In the 17th minute, Ben Nyahunzvi could have put his name on the scoresheet, but his stunning free kick missed target by a few inches.
How Mine coach Philani Mabhena said fatigue took its toll and his players.
“We were not at our best. I observed that fatigue took its toll on the players. We also defended deep in the dying moments of the match and allowed Mambas to put pressure on us which resulted in them getting that goal. We will see what happens in our next match,” he said.
