BLACK RHINOS . . . . . . . . . (1) 4 TRIANGLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
MUKUDZEI CHINGWERE SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
LOT Chiwunga led the rout as Black Rhinos made an emphatic statement to reach the semi-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup football tournament after crushing Triangle at Ascot Stadium in Gweru yesterday.
For winning yesterday’s quarter-final tie, Rhinos set themselves on a collision course with FC Platinum in the semi-finals at Mandava Stadium following the draw conducted at half-time yesterday at Ascot.
Chungwa scored twice and a goal apiece by Milton Kureva and Lincoln Samaraya ensured the army side’s progression in style. They even had the luxury of missing a penalty in the eighth minute.
The result means Triangle’s impressive run in cup competitions has been brought to a screeching halt after they defied odds by reaching the final of the One Wallet Cup, where they will face Dynamos.
For Rhinos, their resurgence on all fronts under the tutelage of Jostein Mathuthu continues unabated.
“I am very happy with the performance. They played exciting football; they are not under pressure at all and that is what I encourage my team to do.
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“Whatever opponent and venue, we believe we will make it to the next stage of the tournament,” Mathuthu said.
Triangle assistant coach Gift Muzadzi conceded defeat.
“From the onset, our players were not in the game. You could see even by the body language. I think it was a result of the travelling that could have affected them. I don’t want to make excuses for the defeat though. Our opponents played well and better than us,” Muzadzi said.
Chipembere took the match to their opponents from the onset, threatening to run over the sugar cane growers.
Ten minutes into the game, referee Norman Matemera awarded the soldiers a penalty after Jimmy Dzingai had handled Brian Muzondiwa’s strike.
Wilson Chakanyuka failed to convert the penalty from the resultant spot kick with his effort kissing the cross bar as it skied over.
Ten minutes before the breather, the Mathuthu-coached side took the lead when Chungwa capitalised on a defensive mix up to chip the ball over the keeper.
Five minutes into the second half, Kurewa gave the service men a cushion goal when he slotted past Ronald Mudimu in goal for Triangle.
Ten minutes later, Chungwa completed his brace when he got to the end of a tephen Matsangaise feed before Samaraya sealed the rout, making the most of a badly positioned Mudimu to beat him at his near post.
