By Sports writer
Scottland………(0)1
Triangle…………(0)
SCOTTLAND coach, Tonderai Ndiraya admitted that his side is still far from being competitive after a narrow 1-0 win over Triangle at Rufaro stadium.
Making their debut in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, Scottland were frustrated by the visitors all afternoon.
The match appeared destined for a stalemate deep into time added on when Triangle defender, Blessing Chihota sent the ball into his own net.
The defender, who had a brilliant afternoon, attempted to chest the ball down for his goalkeeper, Hamilton Makainganwa, who was already out drawn from his goal area.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for the premiership returnees, who had done enough to get something out of this match.
And after the game, Ndiraya acknowledged that his side was lucky to walk away with a full set of points.
“Very difficult match,I have to admit, I think this season every match we play is going to be tough,” he said.
“We have the players and every team we play, will come with a plan. The onus is on us to break that plan.
“I’m not entirely impressed by the performance of the whole squad, of course, this is the first match of the season.
“It was always going to be difficult, remember we have players from different clubs.”
Ndiraya added: “Triangle are a team, we are not yet a team, we are trying to build a team at the same time winning three points.
“It is an ugly win, but i will take that and go home with three points. We have started well but it’s going to be difficult for us.”
Scottland started as the better of the two sides with the larger chunk of possession in the early stages of the match.
It was the visitors however, who looked threatening going forward with some crisp passing football.
They nearly got the opener after 21 minutes with Joel Munsaka’s shot from the edge of the box that was saved by Scottland goalkeeper, Talbert Shumba.
Moments later, Shumba nearly turned villain after he fumbled a harmless looking cross.
He was however, saved the blushes by Triangle midfielder, Munashe Bamara who shot wide from close range.
Mabviravira’s first real chance came five minutes before the break when Vassili Kawe got to the end of a Walter Musona looping cross.
The dreadlocked winger failed to find the target hitting the side netting.
Scottland almost surged ahead minutes after the break when Musona teed up Lynoth Chikuhwa but the striker disappointingly shot wide.
The entire second half Scottland were on the ascendancy but failed to convert their chances.
Defender, Peter Muduwa almost won it for the hosts a minute from time but his long range effort missed the upright.
Then in additional time, Chihota turned the ball into his own goal after poor communication with his goalkeeper sending the Scottland fans into delirium.
Triangle coach, Luke Masomere bemoaned the poor end to the match but was pleased with his side’s performance.
“I’m very sad about the result of the game but I am happy with the performance of my guys.
“These are two different things, the result and the performance. We had a good performance but unfortunately conceded a late goal,” he said.
