Maruwa salutes fans as Black Rhinos begin Vhengere journey with win

Black Rhinos coach Herbert Maruwa had nothing but praise for the people of Rusape who came in their large numbers to cheer his charges to a 2-1 win over Herentals at Vhengere Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Chauya Chipembere bounced back from the moral sapping 3-2 defeat at the hands of Highlanders last weekend at Barbourfields Stadium, as Eli Ilunga goals propelled the army side to victory.

Ilunga fired Chauya Chipembere into the lead when he converted a penalty in the 5th minute after Ali Maliselo had handled inside the box as the early pressure yielded fruit.

More chances were created in the opening 20 minutes but forwards Keith Madera and Ilunga lacked precision to bury the visitors who found it hard to penetrate the defence being marshalled by Dennis Dauda.

The resumption of the second half saw Chauya Chipembere defend deep in the early stages, allowing the visitors to have a go at them.

That proved costly as the visitors were awarded a penalty after Peace Makaha handled inside the box.

However they were saved blushes when Herentals skipper Blessing Majarira skied his effort leaving goalkeeper Blessing Mwandimutsira with nothing to do.

However it went from bad to worse for the visitors when Tinotenda Benza was given his marching orders by referee Brighton Chimene for violent conduct when he lost his cool when he hit Peace Makaha inside the box in a physical tussle.

Unfortunately the visitors pulled one back through Clemence Gobvu soon after Benza’s red card.

Chauya Chipembere did not throw in the towel as they scampered forward in search of the winner.

Rhinos restored their lead when Ilunga stepped up and slotted the winner from the spot deep inside the referee’s added time after a Herentals defender had handled inside the box.

Coach Herbert Maruwa gave credit to fans who cheered the team all the way against a determined Herentals.