Sports Reporter Monomotapa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 Harare City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(0) 1 A WILLIAM Mandondo-second-half strike helped Harare City edge Monomotapa at Rufaro Stadium yesterday to maintain their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League top spot. Manondo headed past Monoz goalie Tapiwa Zvaita off a James Madora cross, 12 minutes into the second half. Completing a double over Monoz whom they beat 3-1 in the reverse fixture on June 20 at the same venue, City are now four points clear second-placed Highlanders with 34 points.
Highlanders, however, have a chance to cut City’s lead to just one point if they beat Chicken Inn at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon. Monoz were denied by the woodwork twice in the opening 10 minutes in what was the major highlight of the first half.
After an uneventful first half, where few chances-came especially in City’s way, Monoz were again threatening eight minutes after the restart when Muzondiwa Gonese blocked Zvikomborero Biseki’s effort at close range.
But Manondo broke the deadlock four minutes later and City could have doubled their lead the next minute had Phenias Bhamusi not shot straight at Zvaita. Monoz were back to probe the leaders twice inside two minutes in the last 10 minutes through substitute Ismael Lawe, who had his long-range shot saved before shooting wide, with Gonese off his goal area. Meanwhile, FC Platinum beat Motor Action 1-0 at Mandava Stadium.
