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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
Herentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Chicken Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
CHICKEN INN are effectively out of contention for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title following this goalless draw against Herentals at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
They are 11 points behind leaders FC Platinum with three games to play.
FC Platinum, barring huge chances of being denied the title due to their playing an ineligible player Juan Mutudza, will secure the crown if they avoid a defeat against CAPS United at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow.
Chicken Inn coach Joey “Mafero” Antipas said his focus is now on finishing the season in second place where they are in a battle against Dynamos.
Yet Chicken Inn should count themselves lucky to have escaped with a point against the Students yesterday.
Herentals were effective in all departments despite missing three of their key men – Tafadzwa Jim, Wilmore Chimbetu and Brighton Majarira – through injury.
They had the hunger and confidence probably because they were walking with a spring in their step after knocking out FC Platinum in the Chibuku Super Cup last weekend.
They asked the most questions with Tino Benza and Davison Marowa coming very close to opening the scoring in the 25th and 33rd minute respectively.
Coach Kumbirai Mutuwekuziva partnered Ali Maliselo and Gibson Chinobva at the heart of defence.
It was Maliselo’s first time to play in that position since joining the Students early this year.
The former Dynamos and Shabanie midfielder never disappointed as he marked Chicken Inn marksman Malvin Whata out of the game.
Mutuwekuziva hailed his charges’ resolve against Chicken Inn.
“I am happy with how my boys played. It’s a point gained. I would like to salute them because Chicken Inn is a difficult team to beat,” said Mutuwekuziva.
“The match was balanced but we failed to utilize our chances. We were supposed to get one or two goals in the first half.”
His counterpart, Antipas said the focus is now on leading his team to second position.
“We now have to focus on finishing the season on top two. Dynamos are our competitors for this position but we are ready to fight till the end,” he said.
Online Reporter