adminTakudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
CAPS United . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
CAPS United are virtually out of the running for the Castle Lager Premiership soccer title after they dropped their fifth point, in their last two games, following a goalless draw against FC Platinum at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
The Green Machine have not scored in three ties against FC Platinum, since Norman Mapeza took over as coach and have conceded seven goals in those three games. CAPS, who are still in third place, needed to collect maximum points to remain in the race for their first league title in nine years.
But they have now dropped seven points behind leaders Dynamos, with only nine points still to play for and although they still have a mathematical chance of winning the championship, they know it’s over.
The game started on a high note with the visitors dominating the exchanges and their first chance came in the 17th minute when they won a free-kick, but CAPS goalminder Tafadzwa Dube was on guard to save.
The Green Machine had to wait until the 24th minute to create a scoring chance when Ronald Pfumbidzai, back in the team after a weekend in which social media had suggested that his relationship with CAPS United was over, sent in an inviting cross that, however, could not find any takers.
Pfumbidzai was blamed by social media editors as the fall guy of the Green Machine rebellion, ahead of their trip to Triangle, when the Young Warriors’ skipper was, in fact, ill and unavailable for the tie. Three minutes later Pfumbidzai hit the upright after a sweeping counter-attack involving Hardlife Zvirekwi.
The game went to sleep for a while and the 34th minute saw CAPS United striker Ishmael Thindwa being substituted after sustaining an injury following a challenge by Gift Bello and he was replaced by Dominic Chungwa.
Chungwa had his fair share of missed chances as CAPS dominated play after the half hour mark as his efforts in the 38th and 40th minute missed the target by a few inches.
FC Platinum were a rejuvenated side after the breather and they felt robbed when George Nyirenda fouled Obrey Chirwa just outside the box and the Malawian received a yellow card instead of a red one. CAPS United later came out of their shell and appealed for a penalty in the final minute after Raphael Maduviwa handled Pfumbidzai’s effort, but referee Batsirai Muchanje waved play on.
After dropping two precious points yesterday, Mangwiro refused to throw in the towel in the championship race.
“I still believe we have a chance (of winning the title) and anything can happen. In today’s match we put up a good fight but, unfortunately, we were not separated after the 90 minutes.
“Our target remains the same and that is to improve from last year’s performance and do well in each of our remaining matches. The match was a cagey affair and we are happy to have collected a point,” Mangwiro said.
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza, on the other hand, said the single point will make a difference in their quest for a top four finish.
“We could not create clear-cut chances but we are now going to focus on our next game against Chicken Inn,” Mapeza said.
Teams
CAPS United: T. Dube, T. Khumbuyani, G. Nyirenda, S. Makatuka, R. Pfumbidzai, T. Samanja, H. Zvirekwi, M. Muchenje (G. Mangani 70 minute), N. Alifandika (G. Phiri 68th minute, I. Thindwa (D. Chungwa 34th minute), K Bulaji.
FC Platinum: P. Mhari, R. Muduviwa, S. Shoko, G. Bello, K. Moyo, A. Mukwenya (B. Marere 68th minute), O. Chirwa (D. Ngoma), A. Gahadzikwa, E. Moyo, T. Kamusoko, W. Musona.
Online Reporter