admin
Harare Bureau
Monomotapa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)1
Tripple B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)1
MONOMOTAPA striker Allan Tavarwisa scored his first goal for his new club but was not enough for the hosts as they settled for a draw with Tripple B in a Castle Lager Premiership at Gwanzura yesterday. It was a battle for relegation threatened teams. And Monoz moved into fourth place from bottom with 23 points as they overtook Black Rhinos who were in action last week.
However, Tripple B remained second from bottom with 19 points.
The Beitbridge side finished the match with ten players after Phillip Makanje was rightfully red carded by referee Ruzive Ruzive in the 89th minute.
The former Motor Action man tried to score with his hand and was given a yellow card. Earlier on he had received another caution and went for an early shower.
The former Dynamos forward who crossed the floor during the transfer window, Tavarwisa, struck in the 5th minute against the run of play to give the hosts an early lead.
But the visitors equalised in the 28th minute when another former Dynamos striker Aleck Marime scored. It was a rare beauty on an empty Gwanzura when he skilfully shot and turn to hit the top of the roof.
Monomotapa coach Biggie Zuze bemoaned the chances his players failed to convert.
“A draw is not good enough but we will grab the point with both hands. We are doing well as a team creating chances and only finishing is still a problem.
“It is going to be difficult for us but with the way we are playing but I see that only luck is lacking for us.
“We have to keep on working hard especially finishing.
“We have to soldier on and get it right in the coming games,” he said.
Zuze said they will try to start picking points starting with the Sunday match against Dynamos at Rufaro.
“It is going to be difficult. DeMbare are coming from a defeat in Hwange and they would be under pressure and would also want to deliver for their fans.
“But if we keep our heads high we may get something from the game,” said Zuze.
Tripple B assistant coach Hillary Mukuruva said they will continue to fight for survival.
“It is not a good result. We wanted three points because of our position on the log. We are now looking forward to winning all our remaining matches.
“We are now eyeing the FC Platinum match at home and have to collect maximum points but we are worried that we picked a lot of injuries today,” said Mukuruva.
Former Sporting Lions and Mwana Africa player Webster Muronda was replaced early in the first half after picking an injury.
FC Platinum coach Lloyd “Samaita” Mutasa also watched the match as he prepares for his next assignment. It has not been rosy for the former DeMbare coach and his team has lost three games in a row now thus two Cup games and on Wednesday they lost to Highlanders at Barbourfields.
Action swung from one end to the other for the entire match with the hosts denied by the woodwork thrice in the game.
Monoz’ Charles Rukwani header in the 61st minute was saved by the goalkeeper while Ronald Chitiyo’s low grounder again hit the upright post.
Tripple B’s Maxwell Mavuto also fluffed a fine chance after he was set up by Marime,while Monoz striker Ismael Lawe’s header just before stoppage time off a fine delivery from Chitiyo was ruled offside by the referee.
Teams:
Monomotapa: F Chifamba, J Tigere, C Rukwanhi, H Mugoniwa, C Boroma, L Mhlanga, I Wadi (I Lawe 49th minute), N Meson (C Mesi 90th minute), G Murwira(O Mwerahari 60th minute), R Chitiyo, ATavarwisa
Tripple B: G Chigundura, G Fireyi, M Variso, O Chove, E Mwinga, W Chingodza (D Homela 13th minute (T Mkondwa 70th minute), M Mavuto, A Kazembe, S Maengeni (L Chiwaridzo 55th minute), P Makanje, A Marime.
Online Reporter