Tapera’s double sinks Simba Bhora

By Munyaradzi Madzokere | 19h ago

SCOTTLAND . . . . . . . . (0) 2SIMBA BHORA . . . . . . . . . 0

SCOTTLAND ramped up pressure on log leaders MWOS with a statement victory over defending Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Simba Bhora at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.

Two quick-fire goals from substitute Michael Tapera, the second one a stunning strike from outside the box, were all the Tonderai Ndiraya-coached side needed to stretch their winning streak to three consecutive matches.

Tapera opened the scoring in the 80th minute, finishing off a rebound after Mthokozisi Msebe's effort had cannoned off the upright.

While the first goal was an instinctive finish from the former Manica Diamonds winger, his second was a beauty.

After winning possession inside the centre circle, the speedy winger outran his marker, Trevor Mavhunga, towards goal.

With most people expecting him to pass the ball to the lurking Khama Billiat, Tapera fired an unstoppable rocket into the top corner, a goal that would have made the watching former England and Liverpool player Emile Heskey proud.

Heskey was part of the crowd at Rufaro Stadium as he is in the country as part of a delegation from global investment firm, Zotus Group.

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They are in the country on a six-day mission to explore investment opportunities across infrastructure and other sectors of the economy.

Victory took Simba Bhora to within one point of leaders MWOS, with 22 points after 11 rounds of matches.Simba Bhora remained in third position with 19 points, four behind the early pacesetters.

Ndiraya, whose side was struggling to stamp their authority in the game before Tapera came on to steal the show late on, was a relieved man at the final whistle.

"It was a good match. We knew Simba Bhora was very strong in midfield, and I think what was important for us was to contain the strength of their midfield.

"We did that in some moments of the game, but I think we also saw some moments where they were very much in control of that department. That prompted us to make some changes in the second half and bring on those that we felt would match and even do better than Simba Bhora’s midfield. Then, of course, I think we saw a change in the complexion of the game altogether after the introduction of those midfielders."

He also gave credit to Tapera for his brilliance in deciding the contest.

"The difference was very small between the two teams. In the end, I think we were fortunate with Tapera's brilliance to get a result today."

Simba Bhora controlled much of the play yesterday and should have been out of sight at the break had their Namibian import Isaskar Gurirab been clinical in front of goal.

They created better chances, but the closest they came to scoring was in the 87th minute when Junior Makunike's shot was parried onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Nelson Chadya.

Coach Joel Luphahla's wholesale substitution around the 70th minute mark also looked to destabilise his team's structure as Scottland immediately seized control.

"I'm disappointed for my boys," Luphahla summed up the match.

"It's very sad to concede goals in the manner that we did. The first one was a mistake from our defender. Maybe we should have done the simplest of things," he said.

“Most of the time, when things are going well for these boys, they tend to relax. The second one was a good goal. We can't take anything away from that.

Maybe we should have done a professional foul. Overall, I think we played well in the first half. We could have wrapped the game in the first half. Most of the games that we've played, we've always been good in the first half. In the second half, we always struggled. I think it's something that we need to work on."

Next up for Scottland is a trip to Tapera's former club, Manica Diamonds, while Simba Bhora would be looking to return to winning ways when they host Triangle in Shamva.

TeamsScottland: N Chadya, P Muduhwa, K Moyo, G Murwira, R Pfumbidzai, A Manenji (M Msebe, 60'), F Botchway, W Musona (E Saidi, 88'), V Kawe (K Mureremba, 60'), K Billiat (M Chigumira, 88'), T Machope (M Tapera, 70').Simba Bhora: W Thole, W Tafa, C Mavhurume, R Kangadzi, B Moyo, I Mauchi (T Mavhunga, 57'), J Makunike, D Mudadi (H Masina, 70'), E Ziocha (B Ndereki, 70'), T Meke (C Makambira, 70'), I Gurirab (N Tigere, 66')