Champions Caps drop points

Ricky Zililo in BULAWAYO
Tsholotsho . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
CAPS United . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1

TSHOLOTSHO now need a miracle to survive relegation from the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League after blowing a good opportunity to steal maximum points from a wasteful CAPS United at Luveve yesterday.

The champions enjoyed superior ball possession in the first half and should have killed the game in the opening stanza, but lack of potency in front of goal and some impressive saves by Tsholotsho goalkeeper Chang Mariyon kept the table anchors in the game.

The visitors made their intentions known as early as the eighth minute when striker John Zhuwawu’s effort forced a good save from Mariyon.

Two minutes later, CAPS reaped rewards for their pressure when Ronald Pfumbidzai converted Phenias Bamusi’s pass.

Mariyon then produced the save of the day when he dived to his right to push out a Devon Chafa’s shot for a corner in the 36th minute.

The miss of the day fell to Tsholotsho striker Nqobile Mpala, who chose to go for power instead of directing the ball into the net in the 75th minute, after getting to the end of a rebound.

Tsholotsho’s persistence finally paid off when CAPS skipper Hardlife Zvirekwi was adjudged to have handled Xolani “Lolo” Ndlovu’s cross inside the box and referee Lysias Dika pointed to the penalty spot.

Mariyon stepped up to send Prosper Chigumba the wrong way and earn Tsholotsho their ninth draw of the season.

“We didn’t start the way we wanted, but I’m happy we managed to fight back and get a draw.

“I think looking at how we managed to come back, we deserved a win,’’ said Tsholotsho coach Darlington Dodo.

CAPS assistant coach Mark Mathe said they paid dearly for failing to put the game beyond the reach of the hosts.

“This is a game that we dominated from the beginning and we could have done better by taking our chances, especially in the first half.

“We should have found a cushion after getting our first goal because the game wasn’t safe,” said Mathe.

Teams

Tsholotsho FC: C. Mariyon, X. Ndlovu, M. Phiri, T. Nyabinde, A. Chaka, T. Tavengwa, S. Mhlanga (E. Halungu, 46th min), M. Mushonga, C. Nkomo (M. Motsi, 78th min), L. Nyathi, N. Mpala (Lucky Vundla, 78th min)

CAPS United: P. Chigumba, V. Musarurwa, R. Pfumbidzai, C. Munzabwa, S. Makatuka, D. Chafa, P. Bamusi, J. Ngodzo (K. Nyamupfukudza, 52nd min), H. Zvirekwi, J. Zhuwawu, D. Chungwa (Abasirim Chidiebere, 83rd min)