SCOTTLAND FC . . . . . . . . . .(2)2
ZPC KARIBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(0) 1
SCOTTLAND FC's fairy-tale season continued as they secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over ZPC Kariba at Rufaro Stadium yesterday, extending their winning streak to seven matches.
The win sees the newcomers soar to the top of the league standings, at least for the next 24 hours, leaving a powerful statement in the title race.
Star striker Tymon Machope was the hero of the day, netting a decisive first-half brace that capitalised on costly defensive errors from the ZPC Kariba backline.
Machope's clinical finishing secured a crucial three points for Scottland. Despite a late consolation goal from ZPC substitute Charles Munyanyi in stoppage time, the home team held on for a hard-fought win.
The momentum was with Scottland from the start. Just six minutes in, Machope nearly opened the scoring with a header from a Ronald Pfumbidzai cross, but it rattled the crossbar.
It did not take long for him to find the net. Shortly after, ZPC Kariba's goalkeeper failed to handle a Godknows Murwira free-kick, and Machope was there to pounce on the rebound, calmly slotting it home for his eighth goal of the season.
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The second goal was a gift. A mix-up between ZPC Kariba's goalkeeper Tatenda Munditi and defender Marshal Gavaza allowed Machope to ghost in, poke the ball home, and double both his and his team's tally for the afternoon.
While ZPC finished the first half strong with a couple of promising chances,the Scottland goalkeeper Kelvin Shangiwa remained a formidable barrier.
The second half saw Scottland introduce substitute Knowledge Musona at the break and he made an immediate impact, forcing a good save from the newly-introduced ZPC substitute goalie Future Sibanda.
The visitors dominated the final quarter of the game, pushing for an equaliser, but Scottland's defence stood firm.
Scottland coach, Tonderai Ndiraya, was full of praise for his players, highlighting their hunger and fighting spirit.
"We are very happy. Six wins in a row in the league and then, of course, the cup game last week. It's a very good run for the team. It must be said that all the credit goes to the players themselves. They want it, and in all the games we've played, they want it more than the opponents. What more can you ask for as a coach? We have players that are hungry, that are fighting for everything, fighting for points. This has been us for the last seven games."
ZPC coach, Newton Chitewe, expressed frustration with the defensive errors, but was proud of his team's second-half performance.
"I think today we had a very good game, except for the two blunders that occurred in the first half. But overall, especially in the second half, we were coming to them and we resisted them a lot. If maybe the day was on our side, we would have equalised. But I give praise to my guys for playing better in the second half."
Teams
Scottland FC: K Shangiwa, P Mudhuwa, R Pfumbidzai, K Moyo, F Botchway, T Dzvukamanja (K. Billiat 77'), V Kawe (T. Chakuchichi 75'), G Murwira, M Chihweta, T Machope (M. Msebe 75'), M Shidolo
ZPC Kariba: T. Munditi (F. Sibanda 46'), C. Musikavanhu, M. Gavaza, S. Chimanikire, K. Madzima, C. Muleya, M. Demera (W. Kamurai 70'), M. Kamwendo (G. Hute 78'), E. Ruwo, S. Makawa (C. Munyanyi), S. Ngala (O. Nyandoro 78')
