By Tapiwa Chawagarira
The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race intensified on Matchday 27 on Saturday, with leaders Scottland FC and second-placed Hardrock FC securing crucial victories to keep the pressure firmly on at the top.
Reigning Soccer Star of thevYear, and Hardrock red-hot striker Washington Navaya continued his impressive scoring form by netting his 15th goal of the season.
Scottland maintained their grip on top spot after edging Simba Bhora 2-1 in a dramatic encounter at Wadzanayi Stadium.
The visitors took the lead in controversial circumstances in the 14th minute when they were awarded a penalty, a decision that sparked prolonged protests from the Simba Bhora camp and delayed play for several minutes.
When calm was eventually restored, veteran forward Knowledge Musona stepped up and calmly sent goalkeeper William Thole the wrong way to give Scottland the advantage.
Simba Bhora, however, refused to be overawed and drew level in the 35th minute through Namibian international Petrus Junior Simaneka.
But Musona was not done.
On the stroke of half-time, the former Warriors captain produced a moment of quality, curling a superb free-kick from just outside the penalty area to restore Scottland’s lead and ultimately seal all three points.
The victory lifted Scottland to 57 points and ensured they remained in control of the championship race, with the season entering its decisive final stretch.
Hardrock, meanwhile, kept the pressure on the leaders after coming from behind to beat FC Hunters 2-1 at Rufaro Stadium.
FC Hunters stunned the title contenders in the 32nd minute when Godfrey Dagbwa opened the scoring against the run of play.
Hardrock responded strongly after the break and drew level in the 68th minute when Navaya headed home his 15th goal of the season, further underlining his importance to Hardrock’s title challenge.
Just when the match appeared headed for a draw, Prince Dube struck deep into stoppage time to hand Hardrock a dramatic victory and move them onto 54 points, just three behind Scottland.
The performance of the day, however, came from MWOS, who recovered from an early setback to demolish ZPC Kariba 4-1 at Ngoni Stadium.
ZPC Kariba struck as early as the fourth minute through Nigel Katawa, but their lead did not last.
Ghanaian forward Wilson Mensah hauled MWOS back into the contest with a 30th-minute equaliser before Nigel Makumbe completed the turnaround ten minutes later.
Valentine Katsande added a third before the interval to put MWOS firmly in control, and Mensah completed his brace in the 78th minute to cap a dominant display.
At Mandava Stadium, Tadiwa Muchenje’s 66th-minute header proved enough for FC Platinum to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Agama.
Bulawayo Chiefs and CAPS United could not be separated after playing out a goalless draw at Luveve Stadium.
Triangle United also boosted their survival hopes with an important 2-0 away victory over fellow strugglers TelOne at Ascot Stadium.
The Matchday 27 action continues on Sunday, with Manica Diamonds hosting Ngezi Platinum Stars at Sakubva Stadium, Highlanders entertaining Herentals College at Barbourfields Stadium, while Dynamos take on Chicken Inn at Rufaro Stadium.
With Scottland on 57 points and Hardrock on 54, the title race remains finely poised as the leading sides head into the decisive final rounds of the campaign.
Matchday 27 Results
MWOS FC 4-1 ZPC Kariba FC
FC Platinum 1-0 Agama FC
Simba Bhora FC 1-2 Scottland FC
FC Hunters 1-2 Hardrock FC
Bulawayo Chiefs FC 0-0 CAPS United FC
TelOne FC 0-2 Triangle United FC
Sunday Fixtures (15:00 CAT)
Manica Diamonds vs Ngezi Platinum Stars — Sakubva Stadium
Highlanders FC vs Herentals College — Barbourfields Stadium
Dynamos FC vs Chicken Inn FC — Rufaro Stadium
