Online Reporter
Tendai Chara
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AGAMA coach Paul “Popopo” Chimalizeni was left to rue a glut of missed chances in their entertaining Northern Region Soccer League encounter against Black Rhinos at Commando Barracks on Friday.
Had his usually dependable strikers scored and register a win over the army side, the outcome of the victory would have changed the complexion of the NRSL title race.
With log leaders N’ombeyawora needing a late penalty to come from behind and force a 1-1 draw with a determined Golden Eagles, a victory for Agama would have seen the Mt Darwin based side shooting to the top of the log.
Agama would also have opened a two-point lead.
N’ombeyawora, on 77 points, retained the top spot.
Chimalizeni was gutted by the two points dropped.
“At this stage of the title-race, it is suicidal for us to miss such glaring opportunities.”
“We should have buried them in the first half,” a clearly agitated Chimalizeni said.
The usually dependable Grey Kufandada, who has developed a knack for scoring important goals, was the major culprit, fluffing two golden scoring opportunities in the first half.
Receiving a through ball from Tinashe Balakasi, Kufandada raced through and came face to face with the Black Rhinos goalkeeper.
Instead of either lobbying the ball over the goalkeeper or placing the ball away, Kufandada shot straight at the goalminder, much to the amusement of onlookers.
Both the timing of the run and the final delivery were bad.
Moments later, Kufandada, who was again in a good scoring position, shot wide.
Balakasi, who has so far scored 13 goals, also missed several clear-cut opportunities.
In the second half, the Black Rhinos defenders plugged the holes, resulting in both Balakasi and Kufandada being substituted.
The draw left Agama with a mountain to climb, with tricky away fixtures against Chinhoyi Rangers and FC Oden.
The Chinhoyi-based teams are difficult to beat at home.
They will also host an unpredictable Craneborne Bullets.
Of their four remaining matches, the one against struggling Ali Sundowns appears to be the only easy assignments.
Chimalizeni is not throwing the towel yet.
“It is still game on. We will fight another. It is not over until its over,” declared the vastly experienced coach.
