Fans who dislike Scottland celebrated wildly yesterday at Rufaro when Ngezi Platinum Stars handed the Mabvuku team their first-season loss. Many supporters at the stadium backed Ngezi despite having no previous connection to the team. These fans, mostly from Dynamos and CAPS United, allied against Scottland. They cheered loudly when Kudzai Chigwida scored a penalty kick during the second half, deciding the highly contested match.
The victory pleased this fan alliance because it marked the first time anyone broke through Scottland's defense or defeated them. Scottland apparently angered rival PSL club supporters by using money to take their best players after gaining promotion this season. They started strong with wins against Triangle and CAPS United, looking ready to follow Black Rhinos, who won the league during their first season back in 1984. CAPS United fans waved their Green Machine flag throughout the game yesterday and erupted with joy when the match ended, calling Ngezi players to the City End bay for celebration.
Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya was concerned about his team's lack of sharpness during the match. He questioned the penalty decision by referee Brighton Chimene that led to their defeat. Chimene awarded the penalty after Frederick Ansa-Botchway fouled substitute Tinotenda Ditima inside the box. Ndiraya said they tried pushing forward afterward but failed to create chances for a comeback, mentioning they must look forward to their next match.
Both teams played exciting, positive soccer during the first half, creating opportunities at each end without scoring. Former Zimbabwe international Richard Hachiro led the attack for Ngezi, opening space for Obrey Chirinda, Talent Chamboko, Malvin Gaki, and Ashwin Karengesha. Ngezi almost paid for a defensive mistake between goalkeeper Darlington Murasiranwa and defender Leslie Kashtigu at minute 18. Khama Billiat stole the ball and passed to Tymon Machope, who hesitated shooting until defenders recovered as he faced the goalkeeper.
Gaki curved a shot just wide at the other end. Scottland created a better chance when Billiat made an impressive move deep in Ngezi territory to find Machope around minute 30. Machope passed to Mthokozisi Msebe, but his powerful shot flew just over the crossbar. Gaki nearly scored before halftime when he found a loose ball inside the Scottland penalty area but volleyed wide. The referee denied Ngezi a penalty when Gaki fell inside the crowded box at minute 60, upsetting many CAPS United fans behind the Scottland goal.
Ngezi felt better when they received a penalty with about ten minutes left after Ditima was fouled inside the box. Captain Chigwida scored at minute 83, sending goalkeeper Talbert Shumba the wrong way. This gave Ngezi their second-season win and first place heading into weekend games. Ngezi coach Takesure Chiragwi, also the national team assistant coach, praised Scottland as a strong team with six players selected for World Cup qualifiers. He said Scottland could have beaten them on another day, but Ngezi used their chance effectively.
The victory pleased this fan alliance because it marked the first time anyone broke through Scottland's defense or defeated them. Scottland apparently angered rival PSL club supporters by using money to take their best players after gaining promotion this season. They started strong with wins against Triangle and CAPS United, looking ready to follow Black Rhinos, who won the league during their first season back in 1984. CAPS United fans waved their Green Machine flag throughout the game yesterday and erupted with joy when the match ended, calling Ngezi players to the City End bay for celebration.
Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya was concerned about his team's lack of sharpness during the match. He questioned the penalty decision by referee Brighton Chimene that led to their defeat. Chimene awarded the penalty after Frederick Ansa-Botchway fouled substitute Tinotenda Ditima inside the box. Ndiraya said they tried pushing forward afterward but failed to create chances for a comeback, mentioning they must look forward to their next match.
Both teams played exciting, positive soccer during the first half, creating opportunities at each end without scoring. Former Zimbabwe international Richard Hachiro led the attack for Ngezi, opening space for Obrey Chirinda, Talent Chamboko, Malvin Gaki, and Ashwin Karengesha. Ngezi almost paid for a defensive mistake between goalkeeper Darlington Murasiranwa and defender Leslie Kashtigu at minute 18. Khama Billiat stole the ball and passed to Tymon Machope, who hesitated shooting until defenders recovered as he faced the goalkeeper.
Gaki curved a shot just wide at the other end. Scottland created a better chance when Billiat made an impressive move deep in Ngezi territory to find Machope around minute 30. Machope passed to Mthokozisi Msebe, but his powerful shot flew just over the crossbar. Gaki nearly scored before halftime when he found a loose ball inside the Scottland penalty area but volleyed wide. The referee denied Ngezi a penalty when Gaki fell inside the crowded box at minute 60, upsetting many CAPS United fans behind the Scottland goal.
Ngezi felt better when they received a penalty with about ten minutes left after Ditima was fouled inside the box. Captain Chigwida scored at minute 83, sending goalkeeper Talbert Shumba the wrong way. This gave Ngezi their second-season win and first place heading into weekend games. Ngezi coach Takesure Chiragwi, also the national team assistant coach, praised Scottland as a strong team with six players selected for World Cup qualifiers. He said Scottland could have beaten them on another day, but Ngezi used their chance effectively.
