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Oscar Rusenga in TRIANGLE
Triangle Utd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Ngezi Platinum Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
TRIANGLE battled hard for a point at home despite playing the last half-an-hour a man down in their Castle Lager Premiership match against Ngezi Platinum Stars at Gibbo yesterday.
Midfielder Joe Nyabinde turned out the villain after he was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 63rd minute, leaving his side in deep trouble. But the Lowveld side still held on for a point in this goalless draw.
Triangle had started the game in high tempo and could have taken a deserved lead inside the opening four minutes but Ghanaian international Wilson Mensah was indecisive as he wasted a golden opportunity.
Ngezi Platinum Stars goalkeeper Nelson Chadya was called into action, punching out a dangerous cross from Wayne Makuva in the 11th minute. Triangle continued to push for an opener early in the game but veteran forward Wellington Taderera skied his effort after a quick counterattack involving Mensah in the 13th minute.
The Ghanaian also came close in the 21st minute but his effort was safely collected by the reigning PSL Goalkeeper of the Year Nelson Chadya. Defensive midfielder Marvelous Mukumba kept Ngezi in the game with another timely clearance after blocking Taderera’s well-placed cross in the 23rd minute.
Ngezi Platinum Stars had the best chance of the first half but Tinotenda Musariranwa missed from close range after a gift by Triangle goalkeeper Matripples Muleya in the 33rd minute.
Muleya made amends on the cusp of halftime with a point-blank save that denied Takunda Benhura what looked like a clear chance for an opener for the visitors.
Then, Triangle were deflated after midfielder Nyabinde was dismissed for a second bookable offence in the 63rd minute. The visitors, though, could not capitalise on their numerical advantage.
Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi made a tactical substitution, introducing Soccer Star of the Year finalist Delic Murimba in the 77th minute.
Murimba made his presence felt with his immediate contribution but saw his headed effort sailing wide after a very good cross from Tapiwa Mandinyenya in the 79th minute.
Ngezi Platinum Stars had a chance to steal it at the death but Triangle substitute Robert Kwaramba earned the home side a point with a goal line clearance after Muleya was beaten by Murimba with four minutes to play.
Triangle head coach Thomas Ruzive was happy with the result after playing second fiddle to the visitors for the most part of the second half.
“We played very well and the application was very good. I am happy with the resistance from the guys after the red card. We had to make forced substitution to try and salvage at least a draw.
“I am happy the boys managed that because it’s not easy getting something against a team like Ngezi Platinum Stars especially playing 30 with a man down,” said Ruzive.
His opposite Chiragwi felt the point on the road was welcome. Ngezi Platinum Stars, however, have made a slow start to the campaign after playing draws in all three games this season.
Online Reporter