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Yadah, Arenel in 8-goal thriller
Yadah 5-3 Arenel Movers
KHAMA Billiat showed his brilliance again with a goal and an assist in an eight-goal thriller between Yadah and Arenel Movers at the Heart Stadium yesterday.
Billiat’s goal ensured that the Zimbabwe international remained in the hunt for the golden boot award.
The eight goal thriller between the two bottom half sides became the highest scoring match this season.
It was an entertaining fixture between the two sides, which kept fans on the edges of their seats as action swung from both ends from the first whistle till the final.
Zimbabwe international, Billiat provided an assist before converting a penalty with the duo of Mandlenkosi Mlilo and Jerry Chipangura grabbing a brace.
Arenel Movers replied through Dalubuhle Dlodlo, Lucky Nyathi and Toto Banda who were wasteful against Hwange last weekend.
The first period produced five goals, three from the hosts while the visitors found the back of the net twice.
Billiat recorded his 12th goal of the season.
Greenfuel, Manica Diamonds draw
Meanwhile, Oscar Rusenga reports from Chisumbanje that Greenfuel and Manica Diamonds slugged it out to a 1-1 draw.
The match played at Greenfuel Arena saw Jairos Tapera’s Manica Diamonds fail to collect maximum points for the third consecutive game.
Manica Diamonds went ahead inside the opening 10 minutes through a well-placed header by lanky striker, Tawanda Macheke following a very long throw-in from Lawrence Masibhera.
Bret Amidu headed his effort against the crossbar and Macheke was the quickest to react putting the ball beyond the reach of Manica goalkeeper, Tendai Chirara.
TelOne beat Ngezi Platinum
In Gweru, Onward Gangata reports that home side TelOne edged defending Castle Lager Premiership champions, Ngezi Platinum Stars 1-0.
TelOne with the win inched closer to securing their place in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
Goalkeeper, Criss Mverechena scored a late penalty to seal the victory for the WiFi boys and make it three wins in a row.
Crucially for TelOne, the win gives them some cushion over the other teams in the relegation dogfight. They, however, remain 12th on the log standings with 35 points.
TelOne coach, Hebert Maruwa was pleased with his side’s performance.
“I’m happy with the response from the boys,” Maruwa said, before adding that, they are still far from safety.
“It’s still game on, we have to keep on getting the desired results for us to survive. Now, we need to remain focused and make sure that we keep collecting maximum points.
“It’s three out of three for us. I’m happy with where we are going as a team maybe if we keep winning we may end up in the top 10.”
Ngezi Platinum Stars coach, Takesure Chiragwi felt that his side is on the receiving end of poor officiating.
“Very difficult game for us, we admit that we have lost through a penalty. We are in a bad situation every game we are getting red cards, last week again it was the same,” Chiragwi decried.
“It’s a sad day to lose, I think we also had a penalty shout but the referee said our player was offside. It’s all part of the game there is nothing we can do.”
Chiefs, Herentals fail to score
In Bulawayo, Innocent Kurira reports that Bulawayo Chiefs and Herentals played a nil all draw at Luveve Stadium.
The two teams settled for a share of the spoils in a match that could have seen either of the two teams get maximum points with a bit of luck on the day.
The hosts started the game brightly and had the better chances at goal earlier on.
Bulawayo Chiefs had a penalty appeal turned down by referee, Owen Manenda 13 minutes into game after striker Reason Sibanda appeared to have been hacked down by Herentals defender Joseph Chitavira inside the box.
Manenda saw no foul despite the Chiefs technical team and players making loud noise for a penalty.
Two minutes later, Bulawayo Chiefs fullback Leroy Ndlovu dribbled one defender but his shot at goal was weak and easily saved by Takudzwa Chikosi in goal for Herentals.
Herentals had their best chance in the first half when Erick Dombo sent in a cross from the left, which was met by Ali Masilelo whose shot at goal hit the crossbar.
The second half saw both teams fail to create clear opportunities until the 70th minute when substitute Dreamer Liyeto headed over the bar a Dombo cross from the left for Herentals.
Sibanda was probably the man of the match as he gave the Herentals defence a torrid time with his timely runs though the goals could not come.
Chiefs had the better first half while Herentals seemed to have got their act together in the second half.
For Bulawayo Chiefs coach, Thulani Sibanda, this was a game they could have won.
“We are not safe at all. We will try to rectify, l think we did well but there were moments when we were caught wanting. I thought we did justice in trying to get three points.
“There were some calls that l would not want to speak about, but l think we deserved to get three points. We now just have to squeeze two sets of three points and we will be fine,” said Sibanda.
Herentals coach, Paul Benza was happy with the result.
“It’s a good result as we are coming from two defeats. Collecting a point away from home was important for us. What is important for us is to try and escape relegation.
“We need to try and finish in a respectable position. Last season we finished eighth but we need to better that position,” said Benza.