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Yadah Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
GreenFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
RODWELL CHINYENGETERE’S late header salvaged a vital point for GreenFuel in a tense draw against fellow relegation battlers Yadah Stars at The Heart Stadium yesterday, but both sides remain stuck in the quagmire and very much near the drop zone.
The result does little to ease the pressure, with Yadah and GreenFuel still perched precariously in 12th and 13th places, just three points ahead of 15th placed Manica Diamonds.
Their shared spoils mean neither side made real ground in their fight for survival, but it was Chinyengetere’s influence that stole the spotlight.
The veteran midfielder, who is quickly becoming the heartbeat of this GreenFuel side, showed once again why coach Rodwell Dhlakama sees him as the team’s de facto captain.
“We brought him in because of his vast experience,” Dhlakama said post-match. “He might not be wearing the armband, but it showed again today, just like it did against Bikita Minerals. He’s helping the younger players, giving them confidence. That’s exactly why he’s here.”
Yadah had taken a deserved first half lead through Stanley Masukuta, who pounced on a rebound after Francis Mustafa’s powerful shot was parried back by Ashley Reyners.
GreenFuel protested the goal, claiming Masukuta was offside, but the officials let it stand.
Debutant Harrison Masina, recently signed from Simba Bhora, was a bright spark for GreenFuel. His pace and movement troubled Yadah’s backline throughout the first half, but his finishing let him down. Dhlakama, though, was quick to defend his new signing.
“We’re very happy with Harrison,” he said. “He put a lot of pressure on their defence. They couldn’t contain him, and we created a lot because of him.”
Yadah coach Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe, meanwhile, admitted he was outfoxed in the second half, where Dhlakama’s substitutions, Clive Rupiya and Washington Mapuwa, tilted the game in GreenFuel’s favour.
“When you go in with the game under control, it’s tough when the other coach makes effective changes,” Jongwe said. “Coach Roddy had a slight edge ahead of me in the second half.”
Despite their positive first half, Jongwe knows his side missed an opportunity.
“It’s worrisome,” he said. “You want maximum points at home, especially in our position. But the boys worked hard and we’ll keep fighting. I’m convinced we’ll survive.”
The problem? Time is ticking, and the points aren’t coming fast enough.
With both sides still staring at the relegation trapdoor, this draw may feel like a small victory. But unless Chinyengetere’s leadership or Masina’s potential turn into consistent results, the danger is far from over.
