HARARE - Blue Rangers boosted their fight for survival with a crucial victory over fellow relegation battlers Quelaton yesterday.

“We really wanted the points. We want to catch up with the other teams in the relegation zone. At this rate we will survive relegation,” said Rangers coach Partson Ndabambi.

After dominating the possession stakes in the opening period, former Shooting Stars striker Tigere Muparagada struck the opener from a David Temwanjira assist.

Rangers went two up eight minutes after their opener through former CAPS United midfielder Norest Mkwezaramba, who lashed home from close range a beautiful cross by fellow goal scorer Muparagada.

With the hosts carrying a two-goal cushion at the start of the second half, many expected Rangers to completely overrun the Bulawayo visitors, but it was not to be.

Quelaton began to take the game to their opponents and it came as no surprise when they pulled a goal back through Simba Manuwere.

The Quelaton substitute headed home a well-executed cross from Wilberforce Chiramba to send panic waves within the hosts’ camp.

The match was over as a contest, when against the run of play, striker Temwanjira raced on to a long range pass from Effort Kopeni and calmly slotted the ball past Quelaton goalie.

“We are really showing relegation symptoms,” said Quelaton coach Farai Sibanda.

“I think our boys lost it mentally because the whole of the first half they didn’t play our normal game.”
 
TEAMS

Blue Rangers: Pedzisai Gumiremhete, Kuda Mazhambe, Paul Marazanye, Effort Kopeni, Lawrence Mdhluli, Tigere Muparagada (Ephraim Gwiliza, 88min), Nyasha Chazika, Norest Mkwezaramba, James Marufu, Philip Nelson (Mcdonald Motsi, 75 min), David Temwanjira.

Quelaton: Tapiwanashe Marimo, Wilberforce Chiramba, Sikhumbulani Dube, Zibusiso Sibanda, Innocent Kutsanzira, Zibusiso  Dambo, Mhleli Sibanda (Brendon Moyo, 90min), Tedius Mugumanya, Thulani Moyo (Simba Manuwere, 56min),Maclive Phiri, Peace Tshuma.