adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
ZRP FC coach Arthur Tutani says their 1-1 draw against third-placed Gunners on Sunday at Morris Depot may complicate their title chase in the Northern Region Division One Soccer League.
The police side are second on the log table with 33 points and are now 12 points behind leaders Ngezi Platinum, who beat Darwin 2-1 on Saturday to take their tally to 45 points.
ZRP FC took the lead just 12 minutes into the game through John Zhuwao, whose shot from a rebound beat goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda.
Sibanda has reverted to the goalkeeping role that gave him his fame when he was the CAPS United and Warriors number one.
Zikeeper as is affectionately known made his Gunners debut as a surprise centre striker when he resumed his career following a long spell on the sidelines due to his ZIFA Asiagate ban.
However, it was goalscorer Zhuwawo, who turned villain for ZRP FC when he conceded the penalty that led to the Gunners equaliser after he handled inside the box in the 58th minute off Asani Nhongo’s free kick from the left.
Quality Kangadze then took the responsibility to fire home the penalty.
Although ZRP FC have a game in hand, coach Arthur Tutani said that dropping points may make it difficult for them to challenge for the championship as he felt his charges could have done a better job on Sunday.
“We didn’t play well. My boys have made the running for the championship a bit difficult because it’s now a mountain to climb. But I am not saying it’s over on chasing the championship.
“It’s back to the drawing board, we work on the grey areas, let’s correct the mistakes and move forward,” said Tutani.
Both ZRP FC and Gunners created several scoring chances but failed to convert them and a draw was the fairest result of the day.
Gunners coach, Darlington Dodo, was content with the point picked away from home as he said they had a better second half after having started on a slow pace.
“It was a bit tough actually, especially in the first 20 to 30 minutes we were not up to it. I think we did not approach it the way we wanted but gradually I think they picked up a bit and towards the end of the first half I think we were a bit better. “When we came in the second half I think we were probing more, which is what we were expecting to do from the word go. So I think what my players did in the second half was better play and we managed to get a goal.
“I think we still need to work on one or two areas especially in our defence where we were not doing it right in the first half. But on the other areas I think I was impressed even by the attacking,” said Dodo.
The match between Blue Jets and Blue Swallows that was set for Saturday has been moved to tomorrow due to logistical challenges.
Meanwhile, Eastern Region pacesetters, Hartley Academy bounced back to winning ways when they beat title chasing rivals Masvingo United 2-0.
The youthful outfit got their goals through Clemence Zimondi and Martin Jongwe with both goals arriving in the second half.
Hartley Academy technical director Rodwell Dhlakama felt they had a good game and added that Masvingo also gave a good account of themselves.
Other Results:
ZRP Morris 2, DStv Rangers 1; Starbill 2, Karoi 2; Darwin United 1, Ngezi Platinum 2; Seven Flames 2, Mushowani 2; Zatex 0, Cargo Carriers 1; ZRP FC 1, Gunners 1; Black Rhinos 1, DC Academy 0.
Northern Region Log Table
Eastern region Results
Black Eagles 1, Renco Mine 0; Mutare Poly 1, Surrey 1; Tenax 2, Gutu 0, Masvingo City 1, Prime Rangers 2, Melfort 0, Mwenezana 1; Mutoko Trades 3, Three Leaves 0 (w/o), Hartley Academy 2, Masvingo United 0; Ruwa Gunners 1, ZRP Masvingo 1, Gaza Gunners 0, Mutare City 2.
Online Reporter