admin
Oscar Rusenga in Triangle
Triangle United 0-0 Highlanders
Highlanders celebrated at full time of a well contested Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match which ended nil all at Gibbo Stadium yesterday . Triangle coach Kelvin Kaindu was surprised as Highlanders players celebrated when his players looked dejected like they have lost a cup final after full time. “This is football and teams have different objectives but it’s quite surprising that they’re celebrating after a draw against us,” said Kaindu.
Highlanders started the game looking nervous and they were more defensive in the opening minutes avoiding an early goal which cost them maximum points in the reverse fixture last Sunday.
Triangle could have taken the lead in the 20th minute but Hillary Bakacheza’s shot forced a smart save from Njabulo Nyoni after quick one-twos with Marlvin Gaki.
Bakacheza came back to haunt Highlanders defence three minutes later but his pinpoint cross was headed just inches over the bar by the giant Zambian international Makundika Sakala.
The visitors finally got their first real chance in the 23rd minute when Bruce Kangwa overlapped but his rasping effort was tipped over the bar by Ashley Reyners.
Pasca Manhanga, who scored in last week’s 1-1 draw, missed two chances within two minutes, first passing straight to the keeper with his weaker left foot before pushing his effort wide from six yards in the 26th and 28th minute respectively after two brilliant set ups by Bakacheza.
Highlanders striker Thomas Chideu thought he had given his side a lead in the 35th minute but was put under pressure by Triangle captain Jimmy Tigere and saw his effort wide shaving the bottom of the post.
Highlanders solid defender Teenage Hadebe made sure both teams went to halftime break deadlocked at nil all as he cleared a promising Sakala effort off the line after an overlapping move by Tigere who set up the latter in the 42nd minute.
Chances were agonisingly few in the second half as Triangle’s game plan was changed after three early substitutions. First, it was a tactical change when Nhamo Lameck was pulled off for Cabby Kamhapa in the 38th minute.
Former Highlanders defender Dumisani Ndlovu got injured in the 47th minute and was helped off the pitch before goalkeeper Reyners was taken to hospital because of illness. Chasten Ngondonga and Ronald Mudimu were introduced for the pair respectively.
“We made three changes, two of them forced subs and all within 50 minutes of play and that really affected our plans but we had to soldier on,” said Triangle mentor Kaindu.
Man of the match Bakacheza was the most notable player in Triangle’s attacking third and forced another save from Nyoni who was the busiest of all three keepers in the 57th minute.
Highlanders coach Bongani Mafu was happy with the result away from home but felt the result could have gone his way if they had taken the few chances they created.
“We should have finished the game in the first half, we created four chances but we failed to convert. It’s good that we managed to keep a clean sheet but we now need to convert our defending to scoring if we’re to win games.
“It’s really hurting to keep on saying it’ll come, I feel it’s high time we secure maximum points,” said Mafu.
Teams
Triangle: A. Reyners (R. Mudimu 50 min) B. Juwayeyi, N. Meson, D. Ndlovu (C. Ngondonga 47 min), J.Tigere, T.Chipunza, M.Gaki, P. Manhanga, H. Bakacheza, M. Sakala, N. Lameck (C. Kamhapa 38 min)
Highlanders: N.Nyoni, W.Chingodza, T.Chideu (R. Kutsanzira 85 min), E.Muzanenhamo (K. Nadolo 76 min), B. Kangwa, N.Masuku, T. Hadebe, K. Mutizwa, F. Chindungwe, D. Sibanda, M. Honest
Online Reporter