The ManicaPost
Freedom Mutanda
Correspondent
PREMIERSHIP aspirants, GreenFuel took another huge step forward in their quest for promotion after emerging 3-2 victors in a tightly contested top-of-the-table clash against fellow ZIFA Eastern Region Division One pacesetters, Mutare City Rovers at GreenFuel Sports Arena last week on Saturday.
The ethanol producers twice let their lead slip before substitute, Tinotenda Majamwanda became the toast of the day after ghosting in from the blind side to nod home 12 minutes from time.
Played before a sizeable and appreciative crowd, the clash lived up to its top billing with the two teams trading raids that resulted in a five-goal haul.
The game started at a frenetic pace with a goal by Ishmael Lawe in the fifth minute following a sweeping move from the right.
Khumbulani Njovo equalised with a spot kick barely five minutes later after some good interexchange of passes by the visitors earned them a penalty.
Tinashe Mukanhiri restored his team’s lead in the 32nd minute and the hosts held on until half-time.
As they sought an equaliser, GushaBhora gaffer, Kenny Kachara made a triple substitution to galvanise the midfield while the changes made by his counterpart, Lloyd “Samaita” Mutasa could have upset his side’s rhythm at the back.
The move by the former paid dividends after another equaliser against the run of play following a well-worked free-kick from the right on the halfway line.
The two coaches expressed satisfaction with their teams’ performances.
“It was a great match between teams who are fighting to finish top and earn promotion. We are targeting to land the big prize and are remaining grounded in pursuit of that goal. Credit for the team’s success goes to the players, the executive, supporters and everyone behind the scenes,” said Mutasa.
Kachara, on the other hand, felt his boys could have done better in some instances.
He said: “Overall, we played a good game but the boys’ slack marking cost us the game in the end. We will working hard and challenge for the sole ticket for promotion into the elite league.”
GreenFuel have extended their lead over second-placed Mutare City Rovers to nine points.
Elsewhere, Buffaloes drew 0-0 at home to ProMelfort while Manica Diamonds Juniors were inactive as they were scheduled to play Nzuma Bar who have since folded up.
