Online Reporter
Onward Gangata
Kwekwe United 1-1 Green Fuel
NEWLY-appointed Kwekwe United coach Paul Chimalizeni believes his team has what it takes to escape the relegation quagmire after they battled to a spirited 1–1 draw against Green Fuel in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Bata Stadium yesterday.
Chimalizeni, who only took charge of the Midlands side in midweek, oversaw a promising first outing as Kwekwe United showed resilience against the Chisumbanje based visitors.
“I’m confident that this team will survive relegation, I’m very confident about that,” said Chimalizeni.
“What gives me the confidence is the quality of the youngsters and their attitude. They have the right mindset and the zeal to work hard.
“This was only my first game in charge, and I’m happy with what I saw and how we played.”
Kwekwe United took the lead in the 24th minute when left back Tafadzwa Muzenda’s effort found the back of the net, albeit with the help of a deflection off a Green Fuel defender.
The goal sparked urgency in the visitors’ camp as they started to dictate play, although they struggled to craft clear cut chances. Their best opportunity of the first-half came when Godknows Mutina unleashed a stinging drive from range that drew a sharp save from Kwekwe goalkeeper Elton Nechiware.
The second-half mirrored the cagey first, until Green Fuel coach Taurai Mangwiro introduced veteran forward Collins Shuwa in the 62nd minute. The tactical change added impetus to their attack, and it eventually paid dividends when Clive Rupiya slotted home the equaliser from Emmanuel Chikwende’s pinpoint delivery off a set piece.
Green Fuel piled on the pressure in search of a winner but were once again let down by poor finishing in the final third.
Mangwiro lamented his side’s continued failure to kill off matches, which has cost them crucial points this season.
“The inability to kill off games has been our biggest undoing,” Mangwiro said.
“We have been in positions where we’ve led but still dropped points. Today, we had to chase the match. Our inability to convert chances is disappointing.
“If I’m to sum up our performance today, I would say it was a very negative approach to the game.”
Matchday squads
Kwekwe United: Andile Taruvinga (E Mutimbanyoka 84’), Tafadzwa Muzenda, Qaccin Phiri (M Mambare 55’), Robert Machara, Brian Kativhu, Jealous Masukutwa, Lenox Chibi, Farai Mutatu, Mbongeni Minezhi (K Chikede 55’), Nyasha Saungweme.
Green Fuel: Ashley Rayners, Robert Kwaramba, Emmanuel Chikwende, Reginald Chinemo, Collin Mujuru, Adrian Silla, Garikai Dematsika, Kudzai Ngwende (C Shuwa 62’), Clive Rupiya (S Manyoni 86’), Godknows Mutina, Malon Mushonga (N Takawira 55’)
