Vusumuzi Dube
By Onward Gangata
Black Rhinos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Greenfuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
BLACK Rhinos FC failed to capitalise on home advantage as they were held to a goalless draw by Green Fuel at Bata Stadium.
It was however, the sending off of Rhinos coach Saul Chaminuka that was the major highlight of the match.
The veteran gaffer was given his marching orders 30 minutes into the match for persistently arguing with the fourth official.
In all earnest the army side did not utilise the few chances they got in the first half on a frustrating afternoon for the hosts.
Black Rhinos assistant coach Chris Mwanza was disappointed by the result which leaves the army side’s points tally to 24 points.
“It was a crucial match for us, we really wanted the points it’s just unfortunate we had to settle for a point but that’s football we go back to the drawing board,” Mwanza said in his post match reactions.
Green Fuel coach Rodwell Dhlakama was happy with collecting a point away from home.
“It was a difficult game especially in the first half when they created a lot of chances,” he said.
“A point away from home is a plus for us especially looking at where we are coming from, it pushes us closer to our target of 40 points.”
The visitors dominated the early exchanges but could not create any meaningful goal scoring opportunities.
Instead, it was Rhinos who had the first chance of the match after seven minutes when Garikai Dematsika shot wide from close range.
Green Fuel came close to scoring mid way through the first half but James Nguluve blazed his effort over the bar.
On the half hour mark Chaminuka was sent off for dissent after he continuously protested to the fourth official.
Centre referee Tichaona Tigere appeared to be having a bad day as he made some dubious decisions that went against the army side.
Moments after Chaminuka was sent off, Rhinos were denied what appeared to be a penalty after Raymond Uchena hacked down Dematsika inside the box as he was about to pull the trigger.
The army side kept pestering the visitors’ goal area in the last minutes of the first half with Lot Chiunga forcing Green Fuel goalkeeper David Bizabani to a fine save.
Rhinos defender Chelsea Nyakope slightly missed the target from a set piece.
Chauya Chipembere kept the momentum and nearly surged ahead just after the break when Chiunga’s square pass into the box found no takers.
Green Fuel mounted a late surge following the introduction of Washington Mapuwa who brought a creative spark into the match.
The youthful forward was however, guilty of missing glorious opportunities late in the match as the visitors searched for a winner.
The draw means Rhinos’ remains on position 17 on the log standings while Green Fuel are now on 10th position with 33 points.
Teams: Black Rhinos; L Gonese, C Nyakope, G Saunyama, P Milanzi, D Mutimuzunze,D Mbewe, G Dematsika, K Nyakudanga, V Katsande (A Chikwerengwe 80th minute), E Katema (M Mahodobi 80th minute), Chiunga.
Green Fuel; D Bizabani,R Uchena, T Gora, R Chinhemo, H Moyo, T Mutyambizi, X Moyo (T Pfende 65th minute), C Dhuwa ( G Chikengezha 65th minute), J Nguluve, N Ndlovu (W Mapuwa 65th minute), R Sibanda (A Nyamajiwa 74th minute)
Online Reporter