Malajila gives Zimbabwe victory in Botswana

Malajila gives Zimbabwe victory in Botswana

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CUTHBERT Malajila carried his rich vein of goal scoring form to Botswana on Wednesday night, helping Zimbabwe beat Botswana 1-0 in an international friendly match at the National Stadium.

The Highlanders star striker, who joined from Chapungu at the beginning of the season, has lit up domestic football and he proved his international pedigree coming on as a second-half substitute in Gaberone.

Brazilian coach Jose Valinhos, a 2-1 loser in his first competitive match against South Africa a fortnight ago, was a relieved man after Tuesday’s blazing training ground bust-up over tactics with his assistant, Norman Mapeza, threatened to overshadow this match.

Honour Gombami, preferred ahead of Malajila, was withdrawn at the start of the second half for the country’s top goal scorer last season – and suddenly, Valinhos wore the smile of a master tactician.

David Kutyauripo’s cross into the Botswana box on 48 minutes was more speculative than targeted. But when Botswana goalkeeper Modiri Marumo made hard work of the clearance, Malajila ghosted in and poked the ball past the line. Botswana protests against the goal – for an alleged push -- were more hopeful than assured.

Malajila could have doubled Zimbabwe’s advantage 12 minutes before the end. Again fed by Kutyauripo, he beat the goalkeeper but not the post with a super effort taken with his left foot.

Zimbabwe’s game, in truth, was limited to long speculative balls hit in the direction of Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari and Orlando Pirates’ Gilbert Mushangazhike. Not that Valinhos will mind, having gained his first victory since his appointment in January.

Zimbabwe Team:
E. Murambadoro, D. Kutyauripo, O. Moyo, Z. Makonese (G. Banda 88th minute), Z. Jambo, E. Nyandoro, J. Majabvi, H. Gombami (C. Malajila 46th minute) V. Nyoni, G. Mushangazhike, B. Mwaruwari
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