Online Reporter
Tawanda Munthali, Zimpapers Sports Hub
YADAH spoiled Genesis Mangombe’s return to The Heart Stadium by holding Triangle United to a goalless draw yesterday, in a match they dominated but couldn’t finish.
Despite stretching their unbeaten run to 11 games, Triangle were second-best for long spells and had goalkeeper Takudzwa Chikosi to thank for keeping them in it.
Yadah should’ve gone ahead in the 17th minute when Shingai Masukuta pounced on a spilled Francis Mustafa free kick, but couldn’t make it count. Chikosi was called into action again in the 29th minute, using his feet to block another effort from Mustafa.
Yadah kept pressing. Mustafa was denied from close range, and minutes later, Chikosi smothered a dangerous cross from Evans Rusike.
Triangle’s best chance came in the 53rd minute, when Denzel Chatuluka found himself unmarked in the box but failed to convert.
Yadah came close again late in the game. In the 88th minute, they won a free kick just outside the box, but Chikosi was equal to the task, diving to keep out Innocent Muchaneka’s effort and preserve the point.
Yadah coach Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe, felt his side should’ve taken all three.
“I feel it is two points dropped, the boys did everything. We got our chances and we should have at least walked away with three points. Congratulations to Coach Mangombe, he came for a draw and he got it,” said Jongwe.
He remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory with the recent additions.
“I’m hopeful that the new signings will make an impact. You should reflect on the performance away from the scoreline. I think the team played well in all departments except for the attacking as they failed to score.
“I’m convinced their goalkeeper is the man of the match, which then goes on to show how much we were attacking.”
Mangombe, now in charge of Triangle, said his team had to adapt their style away from home.
“You can’t see my style of play, especially away from home, so we opted to play in the opponent’s half and try to cause confusion and catch them on the counter attack. If we were lucky, we could have scored one off a counterattack in the second half.
“In a relegation fight, you can do anything you want but at the same time you want to save the team. The material you have at times doesn’t allow you to play your game especially away from home but on our home turf we are doing our best.”
Despite the result, Mangombe was glad to return to familiar ground.
“It’s my home, it’s always difficult playing against Yadah at the same time they’re in a bad position, but as a coach we have to do our job and make sure that the team I’m serving now is in a better position.
“I’m happy with what is being done here by Prophet Walter Magaya who is trying to improve football in the country. This is my team and I’m seeing new faces and a strong squad that has very big players and I’m happy with that,” he said.
TEAMS
YADAH
Taimon Mvula, Terrence Maguranyanga, Takunda Vareta, Emmanuel Chitauro, Terrence Daka, Innocent Muchaneka, Francis Mustafa, Aaron Dzangai (46” King Nadolo), Jerry Chipangura (76” William Manondo), Evans Rusike (90” Mandla Mlilo), Shingai Masukuta (69’ Vincent Sango)
TRIANGLE UNITED
Takudzwa Chikosi, Jordan Pedra (60” Blessing Chiota), Nomore Chinyerere, Praise Machengete, Arnold Mawadza, Munashe Bamara, Thabani Kamusoko (60” Ali Sadiki), Aaron Zeka (83” Joel Munsaka), Ali Maliselo (46” Menford Mudzimu), Denzel Chatuluka, Elton Njini (83” Anashe Hofisi)
Ends
