Online Reporter
Paul Pindani in CHINHOYI
A DERBY match between perennial campaigners Chinhoyi Stars and ambitious newboys, Oden failed to live up to expectations in a drab Northern Region Soccer League match before a capacity crowd at Chinhoyi stadium on Saturday.
Expectations were high among the set of fans, who anticipated the match to have all the ingredients of a thriller.
And as a derby, the fans came out in their droves.
The match started on a fast pace with the visitors threatening to break the ice in the first minute, when Kudzanai Mukumbiri weaved his way past a cluster of home defenders before laying a quick pass to Dexter Mutondo whose shot was stopped by Kudzai Chakwirira in goal for Stars.
In the first quarter of an hour, the match swung from one end to the other bringing an element of liveliness to the game.
Delroy Lingalilani and Tinei Chitora were a bundle of energy upfront for the hosts, but failed to score past Tapera Mazarura, the Oden goalkeeper.
Sensing danger, the hosts then played with a sense of urgency and could have been rewarded with a goal when Chitora took aim at goal, but his effort was saved by the keeper.
Afterwards, the match degenerated into a high school football, but this did not deter the drum beating Stars supporters.
After the breather, the hosts came back a rejuvenated side but their strikers, Chitora and Sydney Madzivire failed to breach the visitors’ defence which was well marshalled by Tinashe Tsongora, Paddington Nhukarume, Fredrick Munyaradzi, Desmond Dzumbunu and Peter Muronya.
In a post-match interview, Stars coach Anorld Dangarembizi told H-Metro that he felt it was a good game.
“We played well after the breather, we tried to play our normal game like we did last week
“Today lucky was not on our side. We couldn’t convert the chances into goals. But I think we are gradually coming up and finding our rhythm,” he said.
However, Dangarembizi is bullish that fortunes will soon change in their favour.
“This is our first point and hopefully we can get a win and start getting maximum points,” said Dangarembizi.
He added.
“Overall, I am happy with everyone who played a part today,”
Oden coach, Munyaradzi Charuza said his team failed to find the rhythm with both teams pressing hard and wanting to utilize every opportunity.
“But, by and by the passes were coming up as expected in derbies and the results were fair.
“Everyone had their fair of chances and failed to convert, and it gradually ended in a draw,”
Results
Ngezi 0-0 Chegutu Pirates, Trojan 0-2 Agama, Karoi United 2-1 Harare City, Black Mambas 1-1 Banket, FC Oden 0-0 Chinhoyi Stars, Zambezi 5-1 Ali Sundowns, Golden Eagles 2-1 Rangers, N’ombeyaora 1-1 Black Rhinos, Shamva 0-1 Cranborne Bullets, MWOS Under-19 0-2 PAM.
Mathew Masinge