CAPS United held

certainly feel it all tastes like a defeat given the way his CAPS United failed to convert their dominance into victory.
The Northern Irishman took charge of his first football game on African soil at Maglas yesterday and will feel he should have popped the champagne to celebrate a victory to go with the historic occasion.
But a point is all that Connor got, on a day when CAPS United were the better team, and on reflections he will feel they could have done better with the services of his new recruits, Darryl Nyandoro and Chris Samakwere.
For Connor had planned his season with Nyandoro central to his attacking plans but yesterday he could not use the Zimbabwe international because the forward is yet to receive his reverse International Transfer Certificate from the DRC.
Both Nyandoro and Samakwere played for former African champions, TP Mazembe, before returning home to sign for the Green Machine.
Robbed of his first-choice forward, Connor threw in Washington Pakamisa but then watched from the bench as a wasteful CAPS United failed to make their dominance count by fluffing numerous chances that came their way.
CAPS United even forced six corners in the opening half as they sought a breakthrough that remained elusive all afternoon.
At the end of the 90 minutes, Connor was left to rue the missed chances as Makepekepe could only get a point for their spirited show.
Maglas has never been a happy hunting ground for CAPS United where they have only won once during Charles Mhlauri’s era in 2004 when a solitary strike by Brian Badza settled matters.
They lost here last year and the Green Machine’s family, given the way they dominated this match, will feel there are signs of progress.
Connor was however, happy with the point and blamed the pitch at Maglas for making life difficult for his players.
“I am very happy with the draw. A point away from home is very vital but we deserved to win and the result is good for the season and it shows that we have a very good opportunity this year,” said the Northern Irishman.
“The pitch is not good and it affected my players since it is a very difficult one. Do you think that this is a good pitch?”
CAPS United could have surged ahead through Pakamisa as early as the third minute but the striker saw his effort, after connecting a ball flighted in from a corner taken by Tapuwa Kumbuyani, deflected away by defender Rodney Mwale.
Warriors’ rightback Kumbuyani sent  another beauty into the box from a free-kick on the right flank but Nyasha Mukumbi headed wide with goalkeeper Victor Twaliki at his mercy after a quarter of an hour.
Pride Tafirenyika, outstanding in midfield, then failed to turn home Asani Nhongo’s drive from a free-kick, in the 35th minute, with only Twaliki to beat.
Three minutes later it was the home side’s chance to launch an attack through man-of-the-match Raymond Sibanda who was a thorn in the flesh for the visitors.
But Sibanda’s effort was well saved by Muzondiwa Gonese.
Former FC Platinum player Sibanda proved that he could be key to Shabanie’s fortunes this season as he kept the home fans at the edges of their seats each time he was in possession.
Now and again he ripped through the CAPS United rearguard.
Sibanda combined well with captain Francis Kanda, Nelson Mazivise, Caleb Masocha, Pervington Zimunya and Simon Choenda.
But this wasn’t an easy CAPS United team to break down and their stubborn resistance justified the 11 weeks they spent in pre-season training.
The story of missed chances continued after the breather with Tafirenyika shaking his head in disbelief after 68 minutes when he found himself with acres of space outside the box but his blistering drive was somehow parried out for a corner by Twaliki.
Tafirenyika was the last CAPS United player to get a glorious chance in the 83rd minute but he skied his effort with his coaches and teammates ready to explode into celebrations.
It was just the escape that Shabanie needed and it was also the cue for them to bambard CAPS United and Tarisai Rukanda and Malvern Mafenya, who was plucked from Kandodo — a high density suburb in this mining town — played prominent roles.
Shabanie finished strongly and tried as much as they could to find a late winner with the Green Machine now defending as if their lives depended on the draw. They chose to employ time-wasting tactics resulting in Kumbuyani being booked.
The match also saw Masvingo referee Makonese Masakadza and his two assistants Jimmy Muzondi and Bernard Matenga making some questionable decisions against both sides.
Shabanie coach Luke Masomere was also happy with the result.
“We played a very good game and CAPS United played better than us in the first half,” said Masomere.
“In the second half both teams were balanced but if CAPS United maintain their form they will definitely win the league title. They are not a small team and I am also very happy with my team. I have got characters and they managed to contain the pressure that was mounted by CAPS.”
There might have been no goals at Maglas but the fans who braved the chilly conditions were treated to a display of quality football.

Teams
Shabanie Mine: V Twaliki, B Dimanji, R Mware, P Zimunya (M Fenyeka 85th minute), S Choenda, C Masocha, P Mudena, R Sibanda, F Kanda (T Rukanda 64th minute ),N Mazivisa, W Ngonya.
CAPS United: M Gonese, T Kumbuyani, A Nhongo, D Sengu, N Mukumbi, E Chafungamoyo, P Tafirenyika, W Pakamisa, T Munyanduri, C Kawinga, R Kutsanzira