Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira at Barbourfields Stadium
Byo Chiefs 0-0 Manica Diamonds
BULAWAYO Chiefs and Manica Diamonds shared the spoils following a balanced Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter that ended goalless at Barbourfields yesterday.
While the match failed to produce goals, it was a competitive affair in which both teams enjoyed their moments and displayed defensive solidity.
Clear-cut opportunities were limited, but the contest remained engaging throughout, as neither side managed to gain a decisive advantage.
The result did little to improve the fortunes of either side, with Chiefs remaining 13th on the log standings with 16 points, while Manica Diamonds stayed in 16th position on 11 points.
Chiefs were searching for a return to winning ways after collecting two draws and two defeats since their victory over Caps United early last month. Manica Diamonds, meanwhile, came into the match on a four-game unbeaten run that included two wins and two draws. The visitors were forced into an early substitution after Tanaka Chikumba suffered an injury, paving way for Carlsome Chirwa’s introduction.
Manica Diamonds fashioned the best opening of the first half when Russell Kahiki found himself with a sight of goal from close range, only for Chiefs goalkeeper Sydney Mozeka to produce a fine save and keep the scores level.
At the other end, Anesu Saiti came closest for the hosts in the 26th minute with a low shot that drifted narrowly wide of the target.
The opening half was characterised by disciplined defending and intense midfield battles, with neither side able to establish sustained control of proceedings.
The second half opened up considerably, with both teams showing greater attacking intent and producing periods of end-to-end football. However, despite the improved tempo and willingness to attack, neither side could find the clinical edge required to break the deadlock. Manica Diamonds coach Patrick Mandizha felt his side had done enough to secure all three 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,” he said. Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino accepted the outcome as a fair reflection of the contest but admitted his side must improve in attack.
“Obviously, I am not happy, but 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.
