Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United 0-0 GreenFuel
CAPS United’s recent revival took a hit yesterday as they put on a lacklustre show in a goalless draw against struggling GreenFuel at a gloomy Rufaro Stadium.
Missing the creative spark of Kundai Benyu, who was sidelined with flu, Makepekepe looked a shadow of the side that had shown signs of resurgence over the past six weeks.
Coach Ian Bakala admitted Benyu’s absence was felt, with CAPS offering little going forward.
“They have won the game, they could also have the game,” said Bakala in a confusing post match assessment.
“I think it was like we did well in the second half despite that we started low first-half. Second-half, we did something which is costing and looking at the team we were playing, they were just hitting the ball, which is, they wanted to use height.
“But we just have to focus, because the league is getting hard each game.”
Makepekepe failed to register a single meaningful shot on target, and were second best in both possession and territory for large spells of the game.
GreenFuel, winless in their last six outings, looked sharper under returning coach Rodwell Dhlakama, who was taking charge of his first match since rejoining the club this week.
His men pressed high, controlled the tempo, and looked more likely to find a breakthrough.
“If you look at the way we deployed the players, we were looking at a win. We knew that would give us a result,” said Dhlakama.
“We then got a point, but wanted three, especially considering where we’re sitting, we’re sitting in a precarious position in terms of the league standings.
“So we just want to move away from that relegation zone. That’s why we also tried to attack . . . although we are talking in phases. See, they were not a threat to us, especially in the first-half. I didn’t see any shot at goal from them.
“But in the closing stages, that’s when they clawed back, especially after the introduction of Bunjira (Junior) and Bakari. (Jayden) The majority of the time, they didn’t give us much threat. It was a catch game, it could have gone either way.”
The draw sees CAPS United climb to 11th on 20 points, nudging above Manica Diamonds on goal difference.
GreenFuel also move up to 12th, tied on points but ahead of Manica for the same reason.
Teams
CAPS United: Harmony Nare, Bruce Kangwa, Brian Kadamanja, Wesley Milanzi, Rouen Tjihumba, Tanaka Shandirwa, Eric Manokore (Jayden Bakare 57’), Juan Mutudza, Phineas Bamusi, Tendai Matindife (Junior Bunjira 74’), Nyasha Chintuli
GreenFuel: Ashley Reyners, Emmanuel Chikwende, Reginald Chinemo, Collin Mujuru, Adrian Silla, Garikai Dematsika, Kudzai Ngwende (Alvin Antonio 85’), Clive Rupiya, Darren Mutimuzunze, Perfect Chikwende (Naison Takawira 90’), Washington Mapuwa (Collins Dhuwa 78’)
