adminLovemore Zigara Midlands Correspondent
Chapungu 1 -1 Shabanie Mine
CHAPUNGU maintained their unbeaten run at home when they drew with Shabanie Mine in a match played at Ascot Stadium yesterday. Talbort Mthombeni struck in the 38th minute for Shabanie Mine before Hillary Mugoniwa restored parity for the home side in the 83rd minute.
The draw ensured that the visitors earn their first point away from home after losing all their away matches so far.
Shabanie Mine were first off the blocks and could have taken the lead as early as the second minute when Zvikomborero Bizeki won possession from outside the box and charged towards goal.
He unleashed a curler inside the box beating the Chapungu goalkeeper Alexander Useni but the ball was cleared to safety.
Chapungu who had a subdued first half, had their first real chance falling to Farai Manase in the 33rd minute who did well to dribble past two Shabanie Mine defenders but was let done by his final shot which was safely collected by Shabanie Mine goalie Victor Twaliki.
The Chinda Boys who were always dangerous on the offensive finally found the opener when they won a freekick just outside the box which was taken by Douglas Sibanda in the 38th minute.
Sibanda’s freekick was cleared by Blessed Mbavarira but only went as far as Mthombeni who made no mistake from close range sending the visitors’ fans who outnumbered the home side supporters into a frenzy.
The second half started with Chapungu taking the game to their opponents but a goal to level proceedings remained elusive.
It was Shabanie Mine who could have killed the game as a contest in the 63rd minute when a Merson Nelson cross was headed wide by Bizeki inside the box with Useni a beaten man.
Bizeki was the culprit again three minutes later when he was released by Messi but shot agonisingly wide.
Despite the intermittent raids by Shabanie Mine the home side maintained the momentum and their incessant pressure finally paid off in the 82nd minute when Twaliki failed to cut a cross which had been whipped in by substitute Gift Phiri who had come in for Talent Mwale in the 55th minute.
The ball fell onto the path of Mugoniwa who rifled from close range to level matters.
Chapungu gaffer, John Nyikadzino, said he was satisfied with his side’s performance but blamed fatigue for subdued performance.
He said: “I am happy to have picked up the point. Like I have said this is a derby and derbies are always difficult. We played well in the second half but we had a subdued first half because fatigue has taken its toll on some of the players after playing three games in the space of seven days.”
His counterpart John Phiri was equally happy with the result but felt his charges could have won the match had they concentrated towards the end of the match.
“We drew the game because the guys lost concentration towards the end of the game which allowed Chapungu to score. I am however, happy with the draw which is our first point away,” he said.
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo