By Tendai Chisiri
HARARE – Castle Lager Premier Soccer League action returns this weekend with Matchday 20, and every point could swing the title race, CAF spots, or the relegation scrap. With teams coming off mixed results in Matchday 19, several clubs are either smarting from defeat or riding high on confidence.
Scottland FC vs Manica Diamonds FC – Friday, Rufaro Stadium
Scottland are flying. The league leaders smashed Ngezi Platinum Stars 2-0 last weekend with Moses Shidolo and Khama Billiat on target. That win took them to 40 points, 7 clear at the top.
Manica Diamonds are struggling near the drop zone. They lost 3-0 to Simba Bhora in Matchday 19 and sit 17th with 13 points. A win for Scottland would stretch their lead to 10 points and pile more pressure on Manica’s survival hopes.
Bulawayo Chiefs vs Agama FC – Sunday, Rufaro Stadium
Bulawayo Chiefs finally ended an 8-match winless run with a 2-0 win over Agama on Matchday 19. Clive Rupiya and Arthur Musiiwa scored to lift Chiefs to 20 points and 12th place.
Agama lost that same game 2-0 and remain 16th with 13 points. Another defeat for Agama would keep them deep in relegation trouble, while Chiefs can climb away from danger with back-to-back wins.
Dynamos FC vs Bulawayo Chiefs – Sunday, Rufaro Stadium
Dynamos drew 1-1 with Highlanders in the “Battle of Zimbabwe” last Sunday. Frank Agyemang equalized after Bosso’s early penalty. That leaves DeMbare 6th on 30 points.
Bulawayo Chiefs will play twice this weekend – Saturday vs Agama, then Sunday vs Dynamos. After their 2-0 win last week, morale is high. But back-to-back games could test their fitness.
FC Platinum vs FC Hunters – Saturday, Mandava Stadium
FC Platinum drew 1-1 with Manica Diamonds last weekend and sit 10th on 25 points.
FC Hunters shocked Simba Bhora 2-1 on Matchday 19 and are unbeaten in recent games. A win for Hunters would push them to 22 points and closer to mid-table safety. e830757c7916
How Matchday 20 results can change the table
1. Scottland are 7 points clear on 40. If they beat Manica and 2nd-placed Hardrock slip, Scottland could open a double-digit gap with 14 games left. Hardrock hammered ZPC Kariba 4-0 last week but play Chicken Inn – a banana skin.
2. CAF Champions League spots: Top 2 qualify. Hardrock 35pts and Herentals 33pts are chasing. CAPS United on 33pts lost 2-1 to Herentals last week. A win for CAPS vs Triangle could put them back in 2nd.
3. Relegation battle: Bottom 4 go down. Agama 13pts, TelOne 13pts, Manica 13pts, Triangle 10pts. A win for Agama over Chiefs would take them to 16pts and out of the drop zone. A loss keeps them 3 points from safety with goal difference -13.
4. Mid-table swing: Teams like MWOS 27pts and Simba Bhora 27pts are separated by goal difference. MWOS drew 1-1 with TelOne last week. 3 points could move them into top 7.
Full Matchday 20 Fixtures
Friday 26 June: Scottland FC vs Manica Diamonds FC, Rufaro 1500hrs
Saturday 27 June: Simba Bhora vs TelOne; Chicken Inn vs Hardrock; ZPC Kariba vs Ngezi Platinum; FC Platinum vs FC Hunters; MWOS vs Highlanders; CAPS United vs Triangle United – all 1500hrs
Sunday 28 June: Agama FC vs Herentals College; Dynamos FC vs Bulawayo Chiefs – both 1500hrs
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