Chronicle Editor
Patrick Chitumba in Gweru
Sheasham FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
ZPC Kariba FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
GWERU based Sheasham FC’s chances of surviving relegation took a huge knock after they were held to a 2-2 draw by visiting ZPC Kariba at Bata Stadium in Gweru yesterday.
The Construction Boys looked poised to pocket all the three points with the match in added time only for substitute Raphael Manuvire to strike with the last kick of the match. Hillary Bakacheza had scored two penalties for the home side in the first half while Moses Demera scored ZPC Kariba’s opening goal. Despite the draw Sheasham moved up the log to 14th position with 35 points.
Coach Lizwe Sweswe was disappointed by dropping points at home as they now need to win both remaining matches.
“It’s tough sometimes in football when you think you are going to win the match and then concede on the stroke of full time, it is hard to take. We now need to win our remaining matches,” Sweswe said.
Kauya Katuruturu moved to 12th position on the log with the valuable point gained.
Stand in-coach Chenjerai Dube was elated that his charges worked hard to grind a point out of the match.
“I am happy that the boys stuck to the game plan, we had planned that Sheasham must not score from open play, we did not allow them to play from the wings,” he said.
“The boys showed great character and played very well, we now need to win our next match and guarantee our safety in the league.”
Sheasham were gifted a brilliant start to the match when they got a penalty after 15 minutes which was converted by Bakacheza.
ZPC Kariba did not give up as they kept fighting and nearly restored parity through Kudzanai Dhemere but his volley was tipped for a corner.
The visitors however, drew level with a goal from Demera who scrambled the goal home from close range.
It did not take long for Sheasham to restore their lead as Bakacheza got his brace from the spot again.
The second half was all ZPC Kariba and they were duly rewarded when Manuvire hit a ferocious shot that evaded Sheasham goalkeper Elton Sibanda.
Bongani Ndlovu