Online Reporter
Chegutu Pirates (0) 1
G&T Mining (0) 1
Innocent Muchochomi in Chegutu
VETERAN Raphael Manuvire struck a late free-kick to earn Chegutu Pirates a 1-1 Northern Region Soccer League derby draw against G&T Mining in a match briefly halted by crowd trouble at Pfupajena Stadium.
G&T Mining broke the deadlock in the 78th minute when an unmarked Elijah Awuku drove a powerful volley against the woodwork and an alert Lengford Mudzimu converted the rebound.
The goal sparked protests from the stands and forced a brief stoppage before police intervened.
When play resumed, Pirates drew level when Manuvire curled a superb free-kick beyond goalkeeper Munashe Chikuni.
The draw extended Pirates’ unbeaten run under coaches Wellington Shangiwa and William Mugeyi to six matches since they took charge midway through the season. The sequence comprises one victory and five draws.
“I told the boys to remain composed, keep pressing, and we were rewarded for our fighting spirit right at the death,” Shangiwa said.
G&T Mining assistant coach Petros Mhari blamed a lapse in concentration for denying his side victory after their tactical changes helped produce the opening goal.
“I’m happy that we made tactical changes which changed the complexion of the game and helped us get a goal, but I’m also disappointed by the way we behaved in the final moments.
“Lack of concentration caused us to concede at the stroke of full time. It is something I told the boys would happen if we disengaged before the final whistle,” Mhari said.
