Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Nkayi United 1-1 Bulawayo Chiefs
IN a game that felt every bit like a championship decider, Nkayi United and Bulawayo Chiefs cancelled each other out in a tense 1–1 draw at White City Stadium yesterday.
The result keeps Chiefs top of the table on 58 points, three ahead of Nkayi United, and ensures the Southern Region Soccer League title chase stays wide open with just a handful of matches left.
Both coaches kept their cool after the final whistle. Nkayi United assistant coach Chipo Tsodzo accepted the stalemate as a fair reflection of a fierce contest.
“It was a tough game. I think it’s a fair result. From here we just have to focus on our own games and make sure we fight till the end,” said Tsodzo.
Bulawayo Chiefs head coach John Nyikadzino admitted he had hoped for more but was satisfied with a point away from home.
“Obviously we wanted maximum points, but we are happy with the point away from home. From here we focus on the upcoming games,” said Nyikadzino.
Chiefs stamped their authority early. Within half a minute, striker Lewis Milanzi drew a sharp save from goalkeeper Delron Chuma. Soon after, Anesu Saiti went close, again denied by the alert Nkayi United shot-stopper.
Relentless pressure finally paid off in the 27th minute. Milanzi latched on to a loose ball inside the box and fired home to give the visitors a deserved 1–0 lead.
Nkayi had threatened earlier, with Nhlanhla Fumapano’s long range strike forcing a scramble and a corner kick that almost curled straight in until Malvin Mkolo cleared off the line.
Chiefs could have doubled their lead in the 33rd minute when Leroy Ndlovu picked out Tinotenda Chitete, whose header sailed narrowly over. Saiti also tested Chuma again but the goalkeeper stood firm.
The hosts struck back at the perfect moment. On the stroke of half-time, a sweeping move ended with Gift Gumbo calmly slotting past the goalkeeper to level the match and send the home crowd into raptures.
The second-half brought more drama but no winner. Chiefs substitute Authur Musiyiwa unleashed a fierce drive that Chuma turned away, while Courage Mabhena’s long range effort also failed to beat the outstanding keeper.
Nkayi enjoyed more possession later on but could not find a way through a disciplined Chiefs defence. Both sides pressed until the final whistle, but fatigue and tight marking left the points shared.
Elsewhere, Hwange collected three points without kicking a ball as Eagle Life failed to make the trip to the mining town.
Other results
Blackrock 0-0 Bulawayo Warriors, Jordan FC 0-0 Talen Vision, Casmyn 1-0 Zebra Revolution, Mainline 0-1 Bulawayo City, Imbizo 1-0 Bosso 90, Nkayi United 1-1 Bulawayo Chiefs, Victoria Falls Herentals 1-0 Nust.
