Hardrock power stunning comeback to beat MWOS and open eight-point lead

Hardrock FC produced a stunning second-half comeback to overturn a two-goal deficit and beat MWOS FC 3-2 at Chahwanda Stadium on Saturday.

The result sees Hardrock, the current league leaders, open up an eight-point lead at the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League standings with 69 points.

MWOS started on the front foot and dominated the first half. They took the lead in the 11th minute through Arthur Banda, who finished off a bright opening spell.

Hardrock had chances to respond immediately but were guilty of wasteful finishing. Thubelihle Mavuso missed from close range in the 13th minute and wasted another clear opportunity a minute later.

MWOS went into the break 1-0 up and looked comfortable, and they doubled their advantage in the 57th minute when Nigel Makumbe tapped home after Hardrock goalkeeper Martin Mapisa fumbled a routine catch.

HARDROCK FC SHOW CHARACTER TO STAY ON TOP

At 2-0 down, Hardrock turned on the screws. They pulled one back in the 61st minute through Gerald Takwara from a goalmouth scramble, a goal that MWOS protested had not crossed the line but was given by assistant referee Francis Chirwa.

The momentum had shifted completely. In the 52nd minute Munashe Bamara had already signalled Hardrock’s intent with a rasping shot tipped over by Tedious Baye, and in the 75th minute the pressure told when Thubelihle Mavuso levelled matters, sliding home after a neat move crafted by Washington Navaya.

With the game heading for a draw, Hardrock found a winner at a crucial time. In the 89th minute Munashe Bamara smashed home a cracker that goalkeeper Tedious Baye could only watch, completing a remarkable turnaround from 2-0 down to 3-2.

The win extends Hardrock’s lead at the summit as they continue their charge for promotion.

Meanwhile in the Premier Soccer League, Scottland FC now have two games in hand, but even if they win both matches they will still trail Hardrock by two points. Scottland face Caps United on Thursday in one of their outstanding fixtures.

RELATED STORY: Hardrock’s 10-game winning streak faces MWOS test