Bikita Minerals (1) 1
Manica Diamonds (0) 0
Bikita Minerals clinched a crucial 1-0 victory over Manica Diamonds at Gibbo Stadium yesterday, a result that plunges coach Jairosi Tapera’s tenure into further uncertainty as his side slumped to their third consecutive Castle Lager Premier Soccer League defeat.
The decisive goal came in the first half from an Innocent Masiwa strike, leaving the embattled Tapera with mounting pressure.
The “Lithium Boys”, who currently lack a permanent home ground and previously shared Sakubva Stadium with Manica Diamonds, showed no mercy to their former co-tenants.
Red-hot forward Masiwa capitalized on a defensive blunder by Ask Rupande, calmly slotting the ball past the stranded goalkeeper Tedius Bare for his sixth goal of the season.
This defeat marks Manica Diamonds' third successive 1-0 loss, following identical results against CAPS United and Highlanders.
Frustration among Manica Diamonds fans, already vocal after last week's loss to Highlanders, will undoubtedly intensify after yesterday's performance in the Lowveld.
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A visibly displeased Tapera lamented his team’s defending and their inability to convert chances.
“We were not expecting to lose in this ground and against Bikita Minerals. But I think we did well overall. Our defending was poor, yes, but we were always there. We attacked well, we couldn't finish off. We made one mistake, a terrible mistake from our defenders and that was the difference, but such is football. We need to sit down, and try to see the positives from this match and move forward,” he said.
While Manica Diamonds’ management has remained publicly silent on Tapera’s position, patience is surely wearing thin.
The club’s top hierarchy was present at Gibbo, witnessing yet another toothless display from their team.
Manica Diamonds, with only one win in their last eight matches, now sit in 10th position on the log standings at the halfway stage of the season with 20 points.
Bikita Minerals moved up to 12th, just a point behind the Mutare-based side.
Victorious coach Wilson “TD” Mutekede, whose side bounced back from a midweek defeat to league champions Simba Bhora, lauded his players’ performance.
“We are happy to have collected three points today," the former Zifa technical director said.
“Maximum points have been eluding us even after good performances, but today we won. It was a tight contest. Both teams really exerted themselves well, but we are happy to have gotten a goal. We could have probably gotten two more, but we didn’t, and we made the game so difficult for us at the end.”
The result further solidifies Bikita Minerals’ impressive home record at Gibbo.
They remain unbeaten in six attempts at the venue since switching base from Sakubva Stadium a few months ago. “It (Gibbo) has become a fortress. Ever since we shifted to this place, we have not lost a game. We're happy about that,” added Mutekede, who specifically praised defender Carlton Munzambwa.
Deputising for Chelsea Nyakope (who was ineligible to play against his parent club), Munzambwa applied himself well and we managed to keep Manica Diamonds at bay.
Both sides entered the match seeking a victory after midweek defeats.
Manica Diamonds started brighter, with Fortune Binzi having an eighth-minute effort ruled out for offside, and Charles Teguru flashing a shot wide ten minutes later.
At the other end, goalkeeper Tedius Bare punched away a fierce effort from Tadiwa Musariranwa as the home side found their rhythm.
The breakthrough for Bikita came when Rupande was dispossessed receiving a short pass from Lawrence Mhlanga, allowing Masiwa to run clear and beat Bare.
Musariranwa should have doubled the lead moments later but failed to connect with a Masiwa chipped pass.
The winger and Blessing Kagudu found much joy on the right wing, but their final pass often lacked precision.
Bikita Minerals started the second half strongly, believing they had doubled their lead, but Spencer Mugariri's goal was flagged offside.
Manica Diamonds pushed for an equaliser, with substitute Issa Sadiki injecting pace into their attack.
In the 83rd minute, Farai Banda's guided header, off a Fortune Binzi bicycle kick, was heroically cleared off the line by Munzambwa, as Bikita Minerals held on to repel the visitors' late onslaught.
