MWOS Edge Kwekwe United to Keep Title Hopes Alive

The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title chase remains alive for MWOS, who climbed to third on the log after Billy Veremu’s decisive goal secured a narrow 1-0 win over Kwekwe United at Ascot yesterday.

A decisive header from Billy Veremu just before the halftime whistle separated the two sides and lifted the Norton-based outfit into third place on the log with 52 points, trailing log leaders Scottland by four.

Although Lloyd Mutasa’s men created numerous chances to widen the margin, they were left frustrated by wasteful finishing.

Speaking after the match, Mutasa was cautious in his assessment:

“From the beginning, our goal was simply to secure survival. Once that was achieved, we set our sights on the top eight, and now we are aiming to finish among the top four. I’m pleased that we are currently in that bracket because I believe we merit it,” he said.

Kwekwe United had started the match brightly, pressing high and creating early openings, but their failure to capitalize proved costly. MWOS gradually took charge, with Nigel Matinha dictating play in midfield.

On the half-hour mark, Arthur Banda was denied by a fine save from goalkeeper Elton Nechiware, who also reacted well to stop a fierce drive from Clive Kwangwari.

The breakthrough arrived on the stroke of halftime when Veremu rose above his marker to nod home a well-placed cross.

MWOS maintained the upper hand after the interval. Malvern Mudzuka squandered a golden chance soon after the restart, blasting over from close range, while Nechiware remained busy, thwarting efforts from Tinotenda Mutyambizi and Innocent Zambezi.

Despite their dominance, MWOS couldn’t kill off the contest and nearly paid the price late on. Substitute Clive Mushori almost rescued a point for Kwekwe with a curling free-kick, only for Francis Tizayi to produce a fingertip save.

Kwekwe coach Masimba Dinyero admitted his side had been outplayed:

“We started well and should have capitalized, but the goal we conceded was soft. After that, my players never recovered and the energy drained out of them,” he said.