Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Scottland 0-0 MWOS
SCOTTLAND’S lead at the top of the Premier Soccer League was cut to two points after they were held to a goalless draw by an impressive MWOS at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.
The defending champions began the day four points ahead of Hardrock, but their closest challengers beat Manica Diamonds 3-0 to move within striking distance.
Scottland still have a game in hand against Dynamos, although they were made to work for the point as MWOS controlled long periods of an intense contest and created the better first-half chances.
The visitors announced themselves inside the opening minute when Billy Veremu forced goalkeeper Nelson Chadya into an early save.
MWOS continued to press Scottland, moving the ball quickly through midfield and repeatedly testing the champions’ defence.
Scottland responded through Moffat Abubakar, whose powerful effort from outside the box drew a fine save from Francis Tizayi.
MWOS soon threatened again when Veremu escaped the attention of Issaka Mohammed and Nickson Nyasulu before releasing Arthur Banda.
Banda chose to cross towards the far post, but Moses Shidolo slid in to clear the danger.
Chadya then produced the best save of the first half, denying Banda from close range before recovering quickly to block the rebound.
MWOS were forced into an injury substitution in the 33rd minute, with McSean Murambiwa replacing defensive midfielder Tinotenda Mutyambizi.
Scottland began to find their way into the match towards the end of the first half but could not break through a well-organised MWOS defence. The champions returned from the interval with greater purpose and Walter Musona went close from inside the penalty area.
Knowledge Musona then tested Tizayi before missing another opportunity from Panashe Mutimbanyoka’s cross.
Khama Billiat also had a chance to break the deadlock after racing clear of Innocent Zambezi, but Tizayi stood firm in the one-on-one situation.
Both sides pushed for a winner in an increasingly open final phase, but neither could find the finishing touch. MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa felt his side had earned a valuable point.
“I am impressed with how we handled ourselves today,” he said.
“This was a big match for us, especially considering the history between the two teams, so we had to prepare for a difficult test.
“The boys stuck to the plan. The pressure came, but they showed character and refused to bow. That is a big positive for us going forward.”
Scottland coach Norman Mapeza was left to rue his side’s missed opportunities.
“When games are tough like this and you create chances or half-chances, you need to bury them,” he said.
“That is something we failed to do.
“In the end, we have to take the positives from the game and focus on our next assignment, which is the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.”
