adminRicky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
How Mine 2-2 Bulawayo City
HOW Mine central defender Victor Kamhuka picked up the first 2016 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League red card, incapacitating his team who had to surrender a 2-0 lead and settle for a point against newcomers Bulawayo City. The goldminers’ new signing Pasca Manhanga deservedly got the season’s first goal in the 36th minute, reacting quickly to slide home a short corner by Adolf Muganyi which beat a surprised City goalkeeper Ndodana Sibanda.
How Mine doubled their lead three minutes later through Charles Sibanda who hit a grounder after being put through by strike-partner Kuda Musharu.
Everything appeared to be going How Mine’s way as they were in firm control of the game until the stroke of halftime when referee Philani Ncube awarded City a penalty after Kamhuka fouled Mkhululi Moyo in the box.
The foul earned Kamhuka a straight red card for a professional foul as he was the last man in defence.
City skipper Xolisani Moyo converted the spot kick, giving his side hope for a comeback.
City’s coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube then made tactical substitutions at the start of the second half, pulling out veteran striker Mkhokheli Dube and defender Morris Kadzola for attackers Humphrey “Muchichwa” Ncube and Trevor Ndlovu.
The move seemed to have paid dividends for the newcomers as they drew level through Humphrey who got to the end of a perfect delivery from rightback Lewis Ncube in the 51st minute.
Despite conceding a second goal and a man down, How Mine regrouped and took the game to City.
The miners dominated midfield and forced City to defend in numbers with their passing game and it was their scorers Manhanga and Sibanda who were driving the creative bit of How Mine.
Because of How Mine’s pressing game, City’s defenders were being forced to play long balls, bypassing the midfield only for the ball to land on the miners’ backline who then initiated moves from the back.
City’s coach Philani Ncube conceded that his team played second fiddle to the miners but was happy with the point.
“We conceded soft goals but we were lucky because we got a goal before the break which gave us hope for a fightback. They were better than us in terms of movement and possession but with a point we will build up from here,” said Ncube.
City’s second goal scorer Humphrey, the son of former national team and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Robson Muchichwa, promised more goals for his club.
“This goal will go a long way in motivating me so that I can help the team and at the same time try and follow my father’s footsteps. I want to emulate my father,” said Humphrey.
While City were happy that they snatched a point, How Mine coach Kelvin Kaindu felt that the referee’s penalty call was harsh.
“From where we were standing I thought it was a bit hard to get that penalty and red card because it was a 50-50 situation. It made it difficult for us. But it wasn’t that difficult playing with a man down because we tried to maintain dominance. All in all getting a point is ok,” said Kaindu.
Teams
How Mine: Munyaradzi Diya, Praise Tonha, Qadr Amini, Victor Kamhuka, Nyasha Khumbuyani, Thembani Masuku (Godfrey Nguwodzawo, ), Adolf Muganyi (Fungai Chirinda, 55th minute), Tawanda Muparati (Marshal Machazane, 46th minute), Pasca Manhanga, Charles Sibanda, Kuda Musharu
Bulawayo City: Ndodana Sibanda, Morris Kadzola (Humphrey Ncube, 46th minute), Terence Majo, Brighton Dube, Zibusiso Sibanda, Lewis Ncube, Proud Zireni, Xolisani Moyo, Eddie Nkulungo (Mthulisi Maphosa, 76th minute), Mkhululi Moyo, Mkhokheli Dube (Trevor Ndlovu, 46th minute)
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