MANICA DIAMONDS . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)(1)
MWOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)(1)
IN a dramatic closing to an enthralling Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Sakubva Stadium yesterday, MWOS substitute Winstone Mensah rose to the occasion, scoring a last-minute equaliser that salvaged a point against Manica Diamonds.
The match, characterised by pulsating action and thrilling near-misses, left fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Manica Diamonds initially seemed poised for victory when exciting winger Anelka Chiwandire broke the deadlock in the 77th minute, connecting with a perfectly executed corner kick from Farai Banda.
Chiwandire’s glancing header ignited wild celebrations among the home crowd, as they sensed a vital three points in their fight for league survival.
However, the tides turned in a heart-stopping finale.
In the 94th minute, Mensah unleashed a stunning volley that found the back of the net, sending MWOS supporters into raptures and leaving the Manica Diamonds players and fans disheartened.
- Inside Sport: Local stadiums in urgent need of attention
- Bullets ease relegation fears
- FC Platinum move six points clear
- Clinical Herentals leapfrog Ngezi to sixth
Keep Reading
The match began at a blistering pace, with both teams eager to assert dominance early on.
Manica Diamonds came close just five minutes into the game when Emmanuel Mandiranga’s header crashed against the crossbar, and Bret Amidu squandered the chance to score from the rebound, hitting it over the bar.
As the first half unfolded, both sides continued to create opportunities, with Manica Diamond’s Farai Banda testing the MWOS defence with a free kick that narrowly missed the target.
Meanwhile, MWOS striker Tafadzwa George had a golden opportunity to score, but his header was expertly saved by Manica’s goalkeeper Tedius Baye, ensuring the first half ended in a frustrating 0-0 stalemate.
The second half saw Manica Diamonds coach Tafadzwa Mashiri make tactical changes that notably transformed the game’s dynamics.
New fresh legs, including poster boy Charles Teguru and Fortune Binzi, injected energy into the home side.
However, a critical lapse in team communication in the 71st minute saw striker Musariranwa opt for a selfish shot from a tight angle, ignoring teammates in better positions, and the chance went begging.
MWOS also had their share of missed opportunities, with substitute Billy Veremu failing to capitalise on a well-placed cross from Jeremiah Makangira in the 74th minute.
Both teams were desperate for a breakthrough, but it wasn’t until the dying moments that the match reached its climax.
Post-match, an understandably disappointed Mashiri reflected on the costly draw.
“This result is a reflection of poor game management and a loss of concentration from my players,” he said.
“We had a strong second half and were deserving of the win.
“It’s frustrating to drop two points at home, especially as we continue to battle relegation.”
Conversely, MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa expressed gratitude for his players’ resilience.
“It was another tough encounter coming from a difficult patch,” the Punters mentor said.
“I thank the Almighty for instilling resilience within my players, allowing them to keep pushing until the end.
“We managed to equalise, and that’s a valuable point for us. In football, the game is not over until the final whistle blows, and we are thrilled with the late goal.”
The draw leaves both teams in contrasting spirits as they continue their respective campaigns.
While Manica Diamonds are left to rue missed opportunities and the two dropped points, MWOS will take encouragement from their late resilience and the performance of their super sub, Mensah.
