Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
BULAWAYO Chiefs’ search for a winning touch continues after they were held to a goalless draw by fellow strugglers Manica Diamonds in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter that produced plenty of effort but little cutting edge at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
For all the endeavour shown by both sides, neither could find the quality required to turn possession and territory into goals, leaving them to settle for a point apiece in a result that does little to ease their concerns.
Chiefs remain 13th on the table with 16 points while Manica Diamonds stay trapped on 16th place with 11 points.
The hosts came into the match desperate to halt a winless run that has stretched since their victory over CAPS United early last month. Since then, Chiefs have managed only two draws and two defeats.Manica Diamonds arrived in Bulawayo carrying the confidence of a four-match unbeaten streak that included two victories and two draws, and they looked the more threatening side for long periods.
The visitors suffered an early setback when Tanaka Chikumba was forced off through injury, with Carlsome Chirwa introduced sooner than expected.
Despite that disruption, Manica Diamonds created the clearest opportunity of the opening half.
Russell Kahiki found space inside the box and looked certain to score, only for Chiefs goalkeeper Sydney Mozeka to produce an excellent save and preserve parity.
Chiefs responded through Anesu Saiti, whose low effort in the 26th minute drifted narrowly wide with the goalkeeper beaten.
That was as close as the home side came in a first half dominated by disciplined defending and fierce midfield battles, with neither team able to establish control for any meaningful spell.
The game opened up after the break as both sides pushed forward with greater intent.
There were moments when the contest threatened to burst into life, with attacks flowing from end to end, but the final pass, finish or decision repeatedly let both teams down.
Manica Diamonds coach Patrick Mandizha walked away convinced his side should have collected maximum points.
“I think with the way we played we deserved a better result than a draw. We created better scoring chances than Chiefs. I think with a bit of clinical finishing we could have scored a lot of goals,” said Mandizha.
Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino was equally candid in his assessment, admitting his side’s struggles in the final third remain a concern.
“Obviously I am not happy. I think it’s a fair result. Both teams did not create chances that we can say they deserved to win. It was evenly balanced in terms of defending. I think we need to do more in terms of attack,” said Nyikadzino.
