adminBLACK Mambas sprang another surprise by holding former champions Monomotapa in a Castle Premier Soccer League tie at Morris Depot yesterday.
Warumwa Warumwa held Dynamos to a 1-1 draw at Rufaro on Sunday, leading to the sacking of coach Lloyd Mutasa.
Monomotapa, who dominated most of the first half, failed to convert their chances that could have seen them collecting maximum points.
Monoz could have taken the lead in the 19th minute but Joseph Mutambiranwa’s shot from outside the box was saved by ‘keeper Learnmore Jere.
The visitors continued to torment the home team and in the 27th minute the lively Mutambiranwa beat the Black Mambas’ ‘keeper but his goal-bound effort was cleared off the line Lovemore Maphuya who had a good day in yesterday’s match.
Mutambiranwa could have found the breakthrough in the 83rd minute but his shot just sailed over the crossbar.
There was a chance for Monoz to win it in added time but Lincoln Saramaya’s header, of a Morgan Mungombe cross, just missed the target.
A lot has been said about the brilliance of Warumwa Warumwa forward Abbas Amidu and he showed yesterday that he has a good touch and some lovely movement.
He had the best chance for his side but his volley went just wide.
Mambas’ assistant coach Martin Bonongwe was happy with the result.
“I am grateful for a point we got. It was quite good for us. I can say it was a game of two halves. Monoz played well in the first half but in the second half we adjusted and matched their play.
“We always lose to Monomotapa and we were expecting a tough match. Of course, as the home team you expect to win but a draw was good for us,” said Bonongwe.
Monoz coach, Taurai Mangwiro, was disappointed with the failure by his strikers to convert the chances that came their way.
“Today we were our worst enemies. The kind of performance these youngsters put up in the first half didn’t deserve a draw. In terms of play, it was excellent stuff they put up, especially in the first half, that’s why I am disappointed in the end. You don’t dominate a team like that and fail to win,” said Mangwiro.
Teams
Black Mambas
L. Jere, G. Chikweva, A. Musasa, I. Nyoni, L. Kaisa, B. Chirimanzi, P. Kachirika, L. Maphuya, F. Banda (K. Chimbadzwa 62nd minute), A. Amidu (P. Khumalo 86th minute), S. Mutizirwa (S. Zhuwawo 84th minute).
Monomotapa
T. Mafunga, B. Mapfumo, B. Chimwamuchere, (H. Mugoniwa 76th minute), R. Chitiyo, T. Ngulube, J. Mutambiranwa (R. Madamombe 85th minute), O. Mwerahari, D. Mukandi, M. Kawashu (L. Saramaya 61st minute), M. Mungombe, O. Mukuradare.
Online Reporter