Kawondera's late goal sinks Bantu Rovers

TRIANGLE UNITED  (2) 3 

BANTU ROVERS      (1) 2 

Richard Kawondera's late goal helped Triangle United edge Bantu Rovers 3-2 in a thrilling Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at Gibbo Stadium yesterday.

In a contest pitting two of the league's relegation-thretened sides, it was the hosts who drew first blood through left-back Blessing Chimwamuchere's first minute strike.

Triangle United midfielder Brian Juwayeyi was brought down by Bantu Rovers' Benson Phiri as he raced towards the visitors' penalty area and after the referee awarded the Sugar Sugar Boys a free-kick, Chimwamuchere's powerful shot off the set-piece gave the Bantu Rovers goalkeeper no chance.

Stung by the goal, Bantu Rovers began to probe and were rewarded in the 15th minute when Obadiah Tarumbwa pounced on a loose ball to rifle past Ronald Mudimu in goals for Triangle United.

But Biggie Zuze's men were back in front 14 minutes later when former Highlanders striker Graham Ncube connected with Juwayeyi's delivery from the right flank to beat an exposed Takunda Mutanga in goals for Tshintsha Guluva.

After the break, Bantu Rovers cranked up the pressure and got their reward in the
50th minute when Dalubuhle Muraka scored the equaliser after taking advantage of a mix up between the Sugar Sugar Boys' defenders.

However, with a draw beckoning, Kawondera struck to send the home crowd into delirium.

The impressive Chimwamuchere charged down the left flank before delivering a pinpoint cross that Kawondera met with a powerful header that nestled in the back of the net in the 87th minute.

A relieved Zuze was delighted to secure a home win.

"It was a good game and overally we played well," said Zuze, who however admitted his side had not defended well.

"l am not happy with the soft goals we keep conceding. We have been making efforts to address our defence frailties but we keep conceding and that is a big problem," added the former Monomotapa coach, whose side has the league's leakiest defence, having conceded 29 goals so far.

Bantu Rovers coach Methembe Ndlovu admitted the defeat was another setback for his side, who remain stuck in the relegation zone with just 15 points from 17 games.