10-man Triangle frustrate Simba Simba Bhora 1-1 CAPS United

SIMBA Bhora’s search for a return to winning ways continues after they were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Triangle side that spent more than half the match with 10 men at Wadzanai Stadium yesterday.

Still smarting from last week’s 4-1 hammering by Herentals, the former champions started with purpose and looked determined to put that defeat behind them.

Mandla Mpofu’s men controlled possession early on, with Ishmael Nyanhi and Claude Mapoka leading the attack as Simba’s midfield dictated the tempo and repeatedly forced the visitors onto the back foot.

Their dominance was rewarded in the 26th minute.

Carlos Mavhurume rose highest to head home from an Adrian Silla delivery following a well-worked short corner routine, giving the hosts a deserved lead.

The goal appeared to strengthen Simba’s grip on the contest. They pressed aggressively, won possession high up the pitch and forced Triangle into a series of long balls that their defence dealt with comfortably.

But the match shifted dramatically just before halftime.

Triangle defender Ariel Makopa was shown a straight red card in the 41st minute after bringing down Harrison Masina in an incident the referee deemed to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.

With a numerical advantage and a lead, Simba looked firmly in control.

Instead, Triangle returned from the break with renewed belief.

Coach Lloyd Chitembwe reshuffled his side, introducing Jimmy Dzingai to restore balance at the back while also giving his team greater energy in midfield and attack.

The visitors suddenly looked the more dangerous side.

Dzingai and Kelvin Mangiza pushed forward whenever opportunities arose, while Enock Karembo took control of the midfield battle. Alongside Jayden Bakari and Emmanuel Paga, Triangle began asking questions of a Simba side that had lost its earlier intensity.

Their reward came in the 55th minute. Bakari burst into space and delivered a dangerous ball across goal, allowing Paga to tap home from close range and silence the home crowd.

Incredibly, it was the 10-man visitors who looked more likely to find a winner. Bakari twice found himself through on goal inside a frantic 10-minute spell but failed to convert, letting Simba off the hook.

Mpofu admitted his side failed to build on a promising first half.

“It is very disappointing. I think we were very sloppy in the second half although we were a goal ahead,” said the Simba coach.

“We lost it in the second half. Looking at our two strikers who were sitting on yellow cards, I thought we would up our game and intensity.

“However, they came with a better plan in the second half and worked extra hard to cover up for the missing man. I actually feel they worked very hard and were just unlucky not to get the win.”

Chitembwe was encouraged by his team’s response after the sending-off, although he felt the visitors left two valuable points behind.

“In the first half we lacked intensity and concentration and as such we conceded,” he said.

“At halftime we told the boys to cover for the missing man and I am happy they responded well. But I am disappointed that we missed two good chances because we could have won this game.

“Today’s performance gives us something positive to build on in the relegation fight. We did very well and I am sure the boys now believe they can do it.”

For Simba, it was another frustrating afternoon. For Triangle, it felt like a point earned through character, discipline and a second-half display that suggested there may still be life in their fight against relegation.