Match day 1 of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) produced 22 goals with the first match pitting How Mine and PSL debutants Bulawayo City producing the highest number of goals.
By Elia Ntali
After taking a 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Pasca Manhanga and Charles Sibanda, How Mine allowed Bulawayo City to crawl back into the match courtesy of a “soft” penalty conceded by former Dynamos defender Victor Kamhuka, who was eventually red carded for a foul on Mkhululi Moyo in the box.
Bulawayo City’s Captain Xolisani Moyo scored from the resultant spot kick to set up a nerve finish with the Gold Miners.
A double substitution from City’s Philani Ncube at the beginning of the second half when he took off veterans Mkhokheli Dube and Morris Kadzola for Humphrey Ncube and Trevor Ndlovu.
The move paid dividends as in the 51st six minutes after his introduction Ncube equalized for the new boys.
On Saturday Chicken Inn began their title defence with a convincing 3-0 win over a ten man Dynamos at Barbourfields stadium, successive goals in the 61st and 62nd minute from veteran striker Obadiah Tarumbwa and 15 minutes before full time Tafadzwa Kutinyu killed the match as a contest.
Richard Kawondera was red carded for a second bookable offence in the 58th minute.
At Mandava FC Platinum, needed an Obrey Chirwa goal seven minutes from time to subdue a stubborn Tsholotsho..
New signing Nqobizitha Masuku had given the miners the lead early in the first-half but Tsholotsho levelled matters on the stroke of half-time through Mustafa Ponyera.
Sunday Chidzambwa’s Zpc Kariba got off to a flying start when they subdued visiting Border Strikers 2-1.
Highlanders posted an impressive 3-0 win over Hwange at the Colliery, with last season’s top-scorer Knox Mutizwa grabbing a brace. Warriors left-back Bruce Kangwa broke the deadlock with fifteen minutes to go. Mutizwa then netted twice to make the game safe for Bosso.
CAPS United made their title ambitions clear with a 3-0 demolition of bogey side Chapungu at the National Sports Stadium.
Exciting midfielder Joel Ngodzo and returning winger Tafadzwa Rusike netted inside four minutes before halftime to put the Green machine firmly in the driving seat. Versatile midfielder Moses Muchenje added a third in the 80th minute to send the Makepekepe faithfuls into frenzy.
At Gibbo, Triangle edged Harare City courtesy of a 65th minute Courage Denias strike. The match saw Taurai Mangwiro ejected from the bench by Masvingo based referee Makonese Masakadza.
Debutants Mutare City Rovers were walloped 3-0 by fellow Premiership newcomers Ngezi Platinum. Goals from Innocent Sithole, Terrrence Dzvukamanja and veteran Washington Pakamisa were enough for the Clifton Kadurira coached platinum miners.
