A SECOND half wonder strike by Cliff Chitsamba helped ease Black Rhinos’ relegation fears while compounding Harare City’s woes in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.
by Kevin Mapasure Harare City . . . . . . 0 Black Rhinos . . (0) 1
Harare City were left hanging precariously. Even though they have not yet dipped their toes into the relegation waters, they are however too close to the drop zone for comfort with two more matches before the end of the season.
Harare City were dragged closer to the drop zone to sit on position 14 in the 18-team league with the bottom four set to be relegated.
Rhinos moved to safety with a seven-point gap between them and the drop zone.
Both teams went into the match in dire need of full points to steer away from the relegation dogfight and it was the army side who got what they wanted.
It was a goal that Chitsamba will always remember for a number of reasons ranging from its quality to its importance.
James Mukombwe forced Harare City goalkeeper Maxwell Nyamupanedengu into a good save which resulted in a corner on 61 minutes.
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From the resultant corner Mukombwe picked out Chitsamba who was lurking just outside the box and then connected first time hitting the top corner to spark celebrations from part of the otherwise paltry crowd.
Harare City tried hard to find a way back but they were denied by either resolute defending as well as poor finishing at times.
Wilfred Muvirimi was the most threatening for Harare City both in the first and second half.
He went close to getting the equaliser for his team with a header eight minutes before time but goalkeeper Herbert Rusawo tipped over.
In the first half the first chance fell to him but he shot weakly inside the box. His teammate Edwin Madhanhanga also went close with a free kick but he was kept out, while at the other hand Golden Boot-chasing Lot Chiunga went close but was blocked by City captain Tendai Samanja.
Substitute Wonder Kapinda could have doubled Rhinos’ lead had he composed himself well but he hurried his shot and scooped it over late into the match.
Teams
Harare City: T Munditi (M Nyamupanedengu 23), T Samanja, J Tigere, M Vengesai, L Muyambo (T Tumba 75), R Uchena, E Madhanhanga, W Manondo, T Chimwemwe, W Muvirimi, P Kabwe (T Balakasi 63)
Black Rhinos: H Rusawo, F Banda, S Jimu, S Linyama, B Homora, J Mukombwe (B Marere 90), M Mine (W Kapinda 68), D Mudadi, M Kureva, C Chitsamba, L Chiunga
