By Kudakwashe Kutinyo
Southern region division one log leaders ZPC Hwange were left frustrated after receiving their first defeat of the season by Plumtree based outfit Mainline FC.
The famous 2-1 victory was inspired by Proud Khuphe and Misheck Nyamutorehwa exceptional performances that saw the runaway leaders fall in the border town.
Mainline found the back of the net twice in the first half through Proud Khuphe’s well taken penalty and Shadreck Nyamutorehwa goal from open play.
Leaders ZPC Hwange without the services of injured star striker Justin Kaunda responded by introducing Dingani Maphosa to their attacking to salvage a quick response.
The visitors were reduced to 10-men after Isaac Katsande received marching order for accumulating two yellow cards. Victory was now certain for the fan favorites Mainline.
A late consolation goal for the frustrated log leaders ZPC Hwange came through an unmarked substitute Dingani Maphosa who comfortably put the ball at the back of the net.
Mainline FC head coach Siza Mguni said some change of tactics enabled them to exploit the visitors and emerge victorious.
“We approached the game like any other game, we knew if we could get the opponents through wide channels we could eventually savage something and it did pay off”.
“We exploited them knowing that the formation they play tends to have some loopholes so we packed our midfield with five players and we managed to shut down their key player Malajila”, said coach Mguni.
He also added that it is only a matter of time top flight league football will come knocking through promotion.
“If ZPC has been struggling for the past few years trying to get promotion but now they look on the edge of it then that is one thing that should also motivate us. We have been coming close as well as we believe our time is coming,”said coach Mguni.
Mainline became the first team to record a victory against ZPC Hwange this season after 23 matches with only seven games to play.
Despite dropping points it will however take a miracle for Casmyn, Mainline and Nkayi United to catch the runaway league leaders ZPC Hwange who have since amassed 58 points opening a 10 point gap lead with only seven games to end the season.
New Ziana
