Herentals extend unbeaten run to five games

Harare Bureau

Herentals 2-0 Hwange

HERENTALS extended their unbeaten run to five matches with a two-nil victory over Hwange at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.

The win saw Herentals moving onto sixth position. Two goals from Ali Maliselo and Lieto Dreamer in the second-half ensured that Herentals collected maximum points.

It was a goalless first period in which neither side failed to record a shot on target, despite Herentals being the dominant side of the two.

Herentals were to return from the break with more intent upfront as they kept asking questions on the visitors goal.

Two minutes after the resumption of play in the second-half Blessing Majarira saw his effort crashing against the woodwork from a Tanaka Dhlakama cross.

Herentals were to be denied by the woodwork three minutes later as Maliselo saw his effort hitting the crossbar
Having to rely on counter-attacks, Hwange came close to breaking the deadlock in the 51st minute.

Pritchard Mpelele was denied by Takudzwa Chikosi in goal for Herentals. Herentals finally broke the deadlock on the hour mark when Maliselo pounced onto a rebound and headed in Herentals’ first goal of the day.

Five minutes later Maliselo was denied his second goal of the afternoon by the woodwork from a long range
Three minutes from time Herentals came close to extending their lead but again the woodwork was the deciding factor for Blessing Majarira.

Herentals put the nail on the Hwange coffin three minutes into added time with a counter-raid. Dreamer raced from his own half and went for the far post to give Herentals three points.

Herentals coach Paul Benza described the victory as a sweet victory for his charges as they recorded their fifth match unbeaten run.

“Having won against Highlanders I was afraid that complacency was going to creep in but I am really excited that we managed to collect maximum points today.

“I am happy that we managed to keep a clean sheet in our last matches we won “We are hoping to continue with the momentum,” said Benza.

His opposite Rodwell Dhlakama, whose side are in the relegation mix believes that they have what it takes to survive the chop despite the loss.

“We conceded a soft goal but I am confident that we will remain in the top flight,” he said.