adminWASTEFUL Harare City allowed the army side to snatch a valuable point after dominating the proceedings for most of this exciting Castle Lager Premiership soccer encounter at Gwanzura yesterday.
The Sunshine Boys, who had the highest number of draws last season, picked their first draw this season after letting slip their early lead in the first half where they dominated and created numerous chances which came their way.
Harare City opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when striker Osborne Mukuradare headed in a perfect cross from David Kutyauripo.
But Black Rhinos, who clawed their way back into the match in the second period, forced an equaliser 10 minutes before stoppage-time when midfielder Wonder Kapinda scored from a long-range drive that caught Harare City goalkeeper Maxwell Nyamupangedengu napping.
And Black Rhinos coach Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera, who had registered a single win and as many draws, was happy to pick up a point in yesterday’s match which he described as “one of our toughest so far this season”.
“It was a tale of two halves . . . They dominated in the first half and we did well in the second half. I am happy to have collected a point from one of the toughest matches this season.
“It was a good game but we need to do a lot on finishing. We are now looking forward to the next match against Motor Action. We have started from somewhere and just hope we will continue doing so,” said Saruchera.
Harare City gaffer Bigboy Mawiwi said they should have won the match which they dominated.
He also said they felt hard done by referee Nomore Masundire who ignored their penalty appeal in the 63rd minute after former Dynamos defender Kutyauripo was fouled inside the box.
“We started well and we created a lot of chances, especially in the first 15 minutes. At half-time l told my players that in football you get punished if you don’t utilise your chances and football is all about scoring. And that is what exactly happened today with that goal (Rhinos’ equaliser). To me, it was a silly goal as the player was left unmarked,” said Mawiwi.
The former Gunners coach said the injury to Warriors midfielder Silas Songani impacted heavily on the team.
Songani was combining well with Kutyauripo on the right flank and most of the team’s raids in the first period were coming from that wing and it helped to produce their side’s opening goal, which was scored by Mukuradare.
“The injury of Silas Songani had an impact to our play as his crosses were troubling Black Rhinos but that was no longer there as William Manondo struggled today and his performance was different from the last match where he did very well.
“I don’t normally complain about referees but l also feel that was a clear penalty and it could have changed the complexion of the game.
“We will regroup and continue to work hard. We are very serious this year and we are going to be in it. Our players just need to have the right attitude,” said Mawiwi.
The match began with the hosts taking the game to their opponents and Mukuradare, in the opening minutes, was guilty of missing two chances that fell to him.
Black Rhinos had their first chance at goal in the 10th minute when lively Marshal Mudewe saw his effort hit the side netting after some fine work in the middle of the park.
Harare City finally got it right and after the opening goal, they went on to create a number of chances but could not find the insurance goal.
After the breather, Harare City went to sleep and the visitors camped in their area and in the 65th minute Rhinos were unlucky after defender Wilson Chakanyuka’s effort from a set-piece hit the woodwork.
It was a matter of time when the soldiers would score and against the run of play Kapinda ghosted in from the blind side nets to silence the home team’s supporters.
The Premiership returnees nearly scored the winner in the 86th minute but Harare City goalkeeper Nyamupangedengu saved Brighton Mugoni’s effort and a minute before full-time forward Walter Masenda’s effort also went wide.
Two minutes later, it was Harare City’s chance to get a sucker punch but Tendai Ngulube failed to shoot into the nets and in the end both teams had to contend with sharing the spoils.
Teams
Harare City: M. Nyamupangedengu, D. Kutyauripo, R. Maketo, C. Dickson, W. Nyamutsaka, J. Jam, T. Nyamadzawo(M. Vengesai 62nd minute), O. Mukuradare, G. Nguwodzawo, S. Songani(W. Manondo 49th minute), P. Bamusi(T. Ngulube 73rd minute).
Black Rhinos: B. Gwere, J. Mukombwe, W. Chakanyuka, B. Nomora, B. Chandisaita, W. Kapinda, B. Muzondiwa(L. Muhoni 46th minute), M. Mudewe(B. Mugoni 74th minute), L. Chunga, M. Kurewa(M. Mine 46th minute), W. Masenda.
Online Reporter