Zimpapers Logo

DEFENDING champions Motor Action continued their winning ways when they collected maximum points yesterday after beating a 10-man Blue Ribbon in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie at the National Sports Stadium.
The Mighty Bulls scored through Kudakwashe Musharu in the seventh minute and that was enough for the visiting side to secure a full set of points.
Musharu received a pass from Ocean Mushure inside the box and fired home to beat Blue Ribbon goalkeeper Moses Nelson.
After the goal, Blue Ribbon lost the authority they had in the early stages and the champions used all their experience to dominate the proceedings.
The situation worsened for the home side when Takesure Chiragwi was sent off by referee Jacob Kuuya in the 33rd minute for a second bookable offence.
Chiragwi used his hand to control the ball in a desperate move to equalise for his team but the poor decision cost his side dearly and left them with a mountain to climb.
The Mighty Bulls could have doubled the score in the 11th minute but Isaac Masame’s shot slammed against the left post.
Motor Action continued with their dominance and could have scored more goals but they failed to utilise the chances that came their way.
Agrippa Murimba’s shot from outside the box went over the bar in the 46th minute after he had received a good pass from Masame, named by his club as the outstanding player in their last game.
Blue Ribbon could have punished the champions for their lack of precision when they were gifted a chance in the last minute but Tapiwa Kumbuyani’s effort was saved by the dependable Marlon Jani.
Motor Action coach Joey Antipas was impressed with his side’s performance.
“There is no bad win in football, we were on top of exchanges in the game although we missed some chances in the first half.
“Overall, I was quite impressed with the game,” said Antipas.
His counterpart, Misheck Chidzambwa conceded defeat but said the dismissal of Chiragwi was a big factor in his side’s loss.
“It wasn’t bad, but that was a silly offense and it affected us very much. Our player was wrong but we have to pick ourselves up again and keep on going. In football you win and lose, that is not the end of the world,” said Chidzambwa.
Teams
Blue Ribbon
M. Nelson, C. Boroma, C. Dickson, T.Kumbuyani, C. Kamhapa, J. Jam, D. Kamunenga (V. Mukudo 57th minute), F. Kuswatuka (M. Mabhacho 83rd minute), I. Tinarwo, T.Chiragwi, E. Mwinga.
Motor Action
M. Jani, R. Machaya, I. Masame, K. Musharu, O. Mushure, G. Moyo, E. Tembo, T. Ndhlovu, A. Murimba (E. Perezo 60th minute), E. Chitato (E. Nyamandwe 82nd minute), G. Phiri (M. Ncube 86th minute).