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Oscar Rusenga in Chiredzi
Chiredzi 2-1 Buffaloes
Chiredzi registered their first home win on coach Gishon Ntini debut match as head coach of the Lowveld side when they beat Buffaloes at Chishamiso yesterday.

Chiredzi started as the better side in the first half with their talisman Marlvin Gaki causing all sorts of problems to the visiting defence.

Gaki was a menace as he won free kicks for his side and earning Buffaloes six yellow cards.

Chiredzi had the first opportunity as early as the sixth minute when newboy Tinashe Mutete headed Ronald Maketo’s inviting corner just over the bar.

Luke Masomere made an early substitution in 22 minutes taking out Roy Mwenga for Jeffrey Takunda but the change did little to change the complexion of the game.

Chiredzi continued pressing for the opener as Muchineripi Muneri, Scholar Hadebe and Mutete looked comfortable in the middle of the park. Buffaloes left back Moses Gutu had to make a suicidal challenge as he cleared Kudzai Nyamupfukudza’s goal bound effort for a corner in the 36th minute.

Chiredzi finally broke the deadlock on the death of first stanza as man of the moment Gaki stole possession from Shepherd Nkata to set up David Temwanjira who slotted the ball home with perfection.

The soldiers didn’t take too long to reply as they were celebrating with only seconds played in the second stanza.

Mike Nyamukasa nodded the ball home after a goalmouth melee to level terms for the visitors.

Ntini introduced Sam Msimbu in the 57th minute amid loud cheers of approval from the packed Chishamiso Stadium. Msimbu didn’t disappoint as he changed the tempo of the match.

Two minutes later Chiredzi almost snatched a winner as Hadebe’s shot troubled Buffaloes goalie Blessing Mwandimutsira.

Hadebe finally registered his name on the scoresheet when he headed Maketo’s pinpoint freekick in the 70th minute to score what proved to be the match winner.

The home side survived the late scare from the visitors as Gutu curled a fantastic freekick only for his captain Prosper Matizanadzo to head straight at Steven Chimusoro.

Ntini was happy with the result and applauded the home crowd for the support.

Masomere was however sad after the loss to the bottom side. “I don’t want to complain much since the goals they scored were clear but I am just not happy for dropping points”, said Masomere.

Chiredzi boss Charles Muchatukwa was over the moon after their first Premiership game win at home.

Teams

Chiredzi: S. Chimusoro, T. Mpungu, R. Maketo, D. Sengu, M. Muneri, S. Hadebe, K. Nyamupfukudza (S. Msimbu 57 min), Gaki (S.Tsuro 90 min) D. Temwanjira, D. Bakali, T. Mutete

Buffaloes: B. Mwandutsira, S. Nkata, M. Gutu, P. Matizanadzo, P. Chandisaita, M. Nyamukasa, T. Mombeshora, J. Muzokomba, R. Mwenga (T. Jefrey 22min), J. Katsigu, L. Katongomara