Simba Bhora Roar to the Summit After Rufaro Classic

Herentals……………..(1) 2

Simba Bhora……………(1) 3

Zimpapers Sports Hub

SIMBA Bhora staged a dramatic comeback not once, but twice, to edge Herentals in a pulsating Premiership clash at Rufaro Stadium yesterday, a win that catapulted them to the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table.

With MWOS falling to Yadah across town at The Heart Stadium in Waterfalls, the defending champions seized the moment, overcoming a gutsy Herentals side in what was easily one of the most thrilling encounters seen at Rufaro in recent years.

Simba Bhora are now tied on 40 points with MWOS but leapfrog them into pole position thanks to a superior goal difference.

But it was anything but easy. They had to dig deep, chasing the game twice before substitute Never Tigere fired home the decisive goal midway through the second half to complete the turnaround.

Herentals flew out of the blocks, drawing first blood through Lot Chiwunga, who powered in a header from a pinpoint Webster Dombo cross.

But the lead barely lasted. Moments later, Dombo went from hero to villain, clattering Isakar Gurirab in the box. The striker dusted himself off and converted the penalty with composure to level the score.

The first half was wide open, brimming with attacking intent, but no further goals followed before the break.

Then came another Herentals sucker punch.

Just five minutes into the second stanza, Prince Mahembe headed home another Dombo delivery, restoring the lead and sending the home fans into raptures.

But just like in the first half, Simba Bhora hit back almost immediately, and again it was Gurirab on hand to punish the Students with a clinical finish.

From there, the tempo barely dropped. Simba pressed harder, and when Never Tigere was introduced, the change proved inspired. The veteran found the net to seal all three points and spark wild celebrations on the visiting bench.

Coach Joel Luphahla admitted the win was hard earned but warned his charges against leaving it late every week.

“Yeah, I’m happy, but I still feel our boys need to learn to win games without putting ourselves under so much pressure. You can’t come back every week,” said Luphahla.

“Teams like Herentals don’t give away goals or points easily, and I can’t take anything away from them. But credit to our boys, they worked very hard. It was a difficult game, but we’re learning.”

Herentals coach Paul Benza was visibly disappointed after watching his side surrender the lead twice and leave empty handed.

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