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Samuel Kadungure in Rusape
Dongo Sawmill 2-0 Tsholotsho

Dongo Sawmill took their bid to escape the dreaded chop a step further when they beat Tsholotsho a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie at Vengere yesterday.

Dongo took the lead in the 28th minute through Eliot Mingiri’s strike.

Mingiri had the easiest task of tapping the ball into a yawning net after Tsholotsho defender Stima William flicked an Evans Chikwaikwai throw-in and hit his own post. The ball rolled to an alert Mingiri, who made no mistake at close range.

The visitors goalkeeper Nickel Marichi was a lost man in the goal melee.

Dongo literally camped in the Tsholotsho half with the visitors showing no intent at all and failing to produce a shot at goal in the first half.

Mingiri could have doubled the lead in the 44th minute but striker Physwell Madhanz, who had a subdued afternoon, came to the rescue of Tsholotsho, when he blocked a goal-bound effort.

Dongo doubled the lead in the 50th minute through a Chikwaikwai strike.

Chikwaikwai unleashed a volley that gave Marichi no chance.

Trailing Tsholotsho improved their game in the second day half, but lacked the cutting edge upfront.

Tsholotsho thought they had got a chance to pull one back later on when they were awarded a penalty after Dongo defender Mangondo Kudzanai handled in the box.

Substitute Sizabantu Khoza, however, missed, putting his effort wide.

Dongo Sawmills assistant coach Justin Bingadadi was an elated man and reckoned that the result was a turning point for them.

He said his side would maintain the same momentum in their home match against Chapungu.

“We’re fighting against relegation, and the win against Tsholotsho is our turning point. We’re working hard, and looking forward to our home match against Chapungu,” said Bigadadi.

Tsholotsho coach Lizwe Sweswe admitted defeat saying his side played badly.

“We lost because we played badly. Our play was disjointed, we didn’t create scoring chances and we lost. We’re going to correct the mistakes we made and ensure that we win our next game to avoid relegation,” said Sweswe.