adminBuffaloes……………………….(0) 1
Tsholotsho…………………….(0) 1
IT was a case of two points dropped rather than a point gained for hosts Buffaloes as they came from behind to settle for a one all stalemate against fellow relegation candidates Tsholotsho in a dull match at Sakubva Stadium yesterday.
Buffaloes could have surged ahead in the 12th minute but Farai Banda’s free kick was parried to safety by the visitors’ goalkeeper Nickel Marichi. However, it was Tsholotsho who took the lead after Buffaloes goalkeeper Blessing Mwandimutsira handled the ball just outside the box in a moment of madness and impressive referee Ruzive Ruzive awarded a free kick. Tsholotsho skipper William Stima did justice to the scoring opportunity as he slotted home a beautiful curler.
The skilful Banda then levelled terms, thanks to a hard and low shot from close range with only 10 minutes of regulation time remaining. He got to the end of an exciting move initiated by second half substitute Roy “Apama” Mwenga.
It appeared the Mutare army side mentor Saul Chaminuka’s decision to introduce the exciting Mwenga paid off after he not only kept the opponent’s defence busy but also initiated the move that led to his team’s equaliser.
In a post-match interview, Chaminuka said he was happy with the draw, saying they were now aiming to collect points in their last games.
‘’I have a reason to be happy because we scored a late goal. lt is important to pick up a point in every match we play,’’ he said. His counterpart, Lizwe Sweswe is also aiming to collect maximum points in their last fixtures.
“We came here expecting a tough match but we are very happy that we managed to collect a point and we are aiming to collect maximum points in our last fixtures,’’ he said.
Teams
Buffaloes: B Mwandimutsira; B Chandisaita; K Mwaramba; K Chigwida; S Nkata; F Banda; S Nyauzima; C Kawinga; V Kawinga; L Katongomara; E Dzumbunu (R Mwenga 76th minute):
Tsholotsho: N Marichi; M Phiri; N Moyo; W Stima; T Ncube; O Ncube (R Masuku 85th minute); K Machazane; B Ncube; M Ncube; J Lupahla (S. Khoza 89 minutes); N. Gama
Online Reporter