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Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
SHABANIE Mine’s six-match winning streak was halted by Ivan Hoe, who inflicted a 0-1 defeat on the Central Soccer League title contenders at Amaveni Stadium in Kwekwe at the weekend.

Chrispen Mbewe struck the all-important goal in the 80th minute to bag three points for the home team after Shabanie Mine failed to clear their lines.

The loss saw the asbestos miners relinquishing top spot to Blanket Mine, who benefited with a 1–0 win over Vumbachikwe in a Gwanda derby.

Blanket Mine and Shabanie Mine are tied on 47 points, but the gold miners have a better goal difference.

Ivan Hoe’s win also saw them reducing the gap between them and Blanket Mine to six points with eight rounds of matches to go.

Ivan Hoe also have a game in hand against ZRP Beitbridge, who were readmitted into the league last week.

Isaac Nyabvure, the Ivan Hoe coach, boldly declared that his charges were now in the running for the championship after beating Shabanie Mine.

“This was a revenge mission and I am happy with the win because we are now within striking distance of the chasing pack.

“We have a game in hand and at this stage anything can happen, but we have now set our sights on the championship,” said Nyabvure.

His Shabanie Mine counterpart Tendai Chikuni conceded defeat, but accused Ivan Hoe of using dirty tactics to win.

“We played well in the first half, but in the second half they slowed the rhythm of the game by availing only one match ball, which was part of their delaying tactics.

“It took two minutes for the game to restart from throw-ins, as the fans ran away with match balls and this is not good for football,” Chikuni said.

Elsewhere, ZRP Beitbridge are still to put their house in order after making a no-show for their scheduled fixture against MSU.

MSU were awarded three points on a 3–0 score line.

Results: Kwekwe Sables 0 – 1 Jessie Mine, MSU 3 – 0 ZRP Beitbridge, ZPC Munyati 2 – 1 ZRP Gwanda, Ivan Hoe 1 – 0 Shabanie Mine, Gweru United 0 – 2 Whawha, Chrome Stars 1 – 2 Tongogara, Nichrut 1 – 1 FC Platinum U19, Blanket Mine 1 – 0 Vumbachikwe.