Online Reporter
Onward Gangata in Gweru
TelOne 1-1 Yadah
NINE-man Yadah FC put on a second half masterclass, to snatch a dramatic 1-1 draw against TelOne in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League showdown, at Ascot Stadium in Gweru, on Saturday.
Second half substitute, Francis Mustafa, was the hero, thumping home a sensational 64th-minute equaliser to cancel out Leeroy Murape’s first half opener for the hosts.
Incredibly, Yadah battled with a numerical disadvantage for more than half the game after goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda and defender Valentine Musarurwa, were both sent off before halftime. Yet the Miracle Boys, living up to their name, dug deep and showed immense character to come away with a well earned point.
Sibanda received a straight red card in the 35th minute, after fouling Washington Navaya in a clear goal scoring situation. Things went from bad to worse just before the break, when Musarurwa was also given his marching orders for a dangerous off the ball challenge.
Despite the odds heavily stacked against them, Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe’s men emerged from the halftime break revitalised and fearless.
“I give it to the boys, they worked very hard and gave everything. It was more than 100 percent effort, I’d say 200 percent,” Jongwe said in post-match interview.
“It’s always going to be tough playing with nine men against a side like TelOne. To come out with a point is just fantastic.”
TelOne had made a bright start and took the lead when Murape met Eria Mafirenyika’s cross first time and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.
But despite their early dominance, the WiFi Boys failed to capitalise on their two man advantage in the second half.
After the restart, Yadah looked the better side. Mustafa, making an immediate impact off the bench, threatened early by smashing a snap shot into the side netting. Jerry Chipangura also came close to levelling, but his effort was superbly denied by TelOne goalkeeper, Tapiwa Chilenga.
The pressure finally paid off in the 64th minute. Mustafa unleashed a thunderous volley from distance, sparking wild celebrations from the visiting bench.
Yadah, growing in confidence, took the game to TelOne and bossed the midfield despite being down to nine men. TelOne, disjointed and lethargic, failed to respond.
“This is our worst performance so far,” admitted a frustrated TelOne coach, Herbert Maruwa. “Yadah were two men down. I’m really disappointed with how the boys expressed themselves.”
In another fixture, Midlands side, FC Platinum, came from behind to force a draw against Bikita Minerals at Maglas Stadium in Zvishavane. The teams drew 1-1.
