MANICA DIAMONDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
SIMBA BHORA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
REFEREE Mercy Mayimbo found herself at the centre of controversy during an exhilarating Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash between Manica Diamonds and log leaders Simba Bhora, which ended in a one-all draw at Sakubva Stadium yesterday.
The match kicked off at a frenetic pace, with both teams eager to secure an early advantage.
Simba Bhora struck first in the seventh minute, when midfielder Nomore Tsabora found the back of the net from close range, igniting wild celebrations among the sizable crowd in attendance.
However, the excitement was soon overshadowed by officiating decisions that left players and supporters fuming.
In the 17th minute, Manica Diamonds midfielder Kudzai Dhemere was brought down in the box, but Mayimbo waved play on, much to the dismay of the home fans.
Simba Bhora’s goalkeeper, William Thole, showcased his skills shortly after, making a spectacular save from a curling free kick by Mark Fodya in the 22nd minute.
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Just three minutes later, Farai Banda came agonisingly close to doubling Simba Bhora's lead, heading the ball against the upright from a corner kick.
As the first half drew to a close, another contentious moment arose. In the 41st minute, Simba Bhora's Donald Mudadi handled the ball in the box, leading to another fervent appeal for a penalty from Manica Diamonds.
Yet again, Mayimbo dismissed the claims, inciting a chorus of whistles from the crowd.
The second half saw both teams elevate their game. Simba Bhora aimed to extend their lead, while Manica Diamonds fought doggedly for an equaliser.
In the 68th minute, Blessing Moyo's free kick was brilliantly saved by Manica Diamonds' goalkeeper, Tedious Baye.
The tension reached a boiling point in the 87th minute when Manica Diamonds' super sub Anelka Chivandire capitalised on a loose ball and unleashed a thunderous strike that beat Thole, levelling the score at 1-1. The goal ignited thunderous applause from fans who had been eagerly awaiting the equaliser.
In a post-match interview, Manica Diamonds coach Tafadzwa Mashiri expressed mixed feelings: "We came very prepared for this game. We wanted to collect maximum points, but at the end of the day, we collected one point. We came back strong in the second half, and I feel we could have scored more goals. They [Simba Bhora] defended well, but we will go back to the drawing board to find a winning formula."
Simba Bhora coach Joel Lupahla was content with the outcome: "I am happy with the scoreline. We collected a point away from home. Manica Diamonds is a tough team to beat at home. We played well. We scored first, and they equalised."
