Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Hardrock missed their first opportunity to clinch the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title after being held to a frustrating goalless draw by Simba Bhora at Wadzanai on Saturday.
The Kwekwe-based side moved to 70 points but saw their lead at the summit cut to just two points after closest challengers Scottland FC thrashed Herentals 4-0 at Rufaro.
The results have thrown the title race wide open, setting up a tense final round of the season.
Hardrock, who are chasing a historic league title in their debut top-flight campaign, still have their destiny in their own hands and can secure the championship with victory over FC Platinum at Chahwanda in their final match.
However, Scottland remain firmly in contention and will be crowned champions if they beat Triangle United at Gibbo Stadium and Hardrock fail to collect maximum points against FC Platinum.
At Wadzanai, Hardrock had several opportunities to put the game beyond Simba Bhora but were let down by poor finishing, with forwards Prince Dube and Washington Navaya particularly wasteful.
Kasongo Boys could have settled the contest inside the opening 10 minutes after creating three clear-cut scoring opportunities, but Navaya and Dube failed to convert.
Simba Bhora, meanwhile, offered limited attacking threat, with teenage forward Cole Tsamba coming closest to breaking the deadlock when his effort was comfortably dealt with by Hardrock goalkeeper Martin Mapisa.
Hardrock continued to push for a winner and introduced Donald Mudadi in search of a breakthrough.
The substitute, however, missed a glorious opportunity to hand the visitors all three points when he failed to beat First Gandisani in a one-on-one situation.
His disappointing miss proved costly, with Mudadi subsequently substituted as Hardrock were forced to settle for a point.
The result means the championship battle will now be decided on the final day, with Hardrock still holding the advantage but Scottland ready to capitalise on any slip-up.
For the Kwekwe outfit, the equation is simple.
They should just beat FC Platinum and the title is theirs.
