NORTHERN Region Soccer League Division One log leaders N’ombeyaora maintained their position at the summit with a hard-fought victory over Chinhoyi Rangers, sealing a 1-0 win that keeps them two points clear of Agama FC, who triumphed over Zambezi G & C with a scoreline of 3-1 at the weekend.
Known as The Hunters, N’ombeyaora have amassed 57 points from 25 games, while second-placed Agama FC collected 55 points from the same number of games.
Golden Eagles FC are a distant third with 47 points.
N’ombeyaora found the breakthrough late in the match when substitute Eli Lunga headed home from a well-placed Russel Chifura cross with just six minutes remaining.
Rangers had put up a resilient defence, expertly marshalled by Delight Gandari, and held their ground for the better part of the game.
However, a momentary lapse in concentration in the dying minutes proved costly, as they conceded a soft goal that ultimately decided the match.
N’ombeyaora coach Nesbert Saruchera expressed his relief.
“I’m pleased we secured all three points,” he said.
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“It was a tough game, Rangers played well, but our guys fought until the end.
“We cannot afford to slip at this stage.”
In contrast, Rangers coach Terrence Mhiripiri acknowledged the defeat, but commended his players for their spirited performance.
“Our boys played well, but unfortunately, N’ombeyaora were fortunate to score late in the game,” Mhiripiri stated.
Chinhoyi Rangers will need to regroup and focus on future fixtures as they look to bounce back.
The league is slowly turning into a two-horse race reminiscent of last year when MWOS FC and Scottland FC battled it out until the last game.
The competition is so tight that most teams are separated by two or three points with four teams on 31 and 32 points.
