Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United…(0) 0
TelOne…(0) 0
IT was a battle of intent but no end product at Rufaro yesterday, as CAPS United and in form TelOne played out a goalless draw in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie that offered plenty of energy but little cutting edge.
Both sides came out swinging, looking for an early breakthrough in a match played at a frenetic pace. But despite the tempo, goals proved elusive.
TelOne looked the more threatening early on, with Tawanda Macheke and Elton Chikona forcing saves from CAPS goalkeeper Stephen Odai Kwaku in the 12th and 20th minutes. Missing the sharp instincts of their free-scoring forward Washington Navaya, the visitors still managed to keep the Green Machine on their toes.
CAPS had a golden chance of their own in the 26th minute when Phineas Bamusi slipped a clever ball to Nyasha Chintuli, but TelOne keeper Tapiwa Chilenga stood firm.
After the break, TelOne returned with renewed purpose and immediately forced a corner in the 47th minute. Macheke came close again on the hour mark, only to be denied by Kwaku. At the other end, Junior Bunjira injected urgency into the CAPS attack, while Leeroy Murape tested Kwaku with a powerful effort that was parried away.
Tempers boiled over in the 70th minute when CAPS striker Chris Magulu was injured after a push by TelOne defender Admire Dzumbunu, adding extra spice to an already tense encounter.
CAPS coach Ian Bakala was pleased with the performance, particularly the impact of his younger players introduced in the second half.
“I’m happy with the point ahead of our away fixture to Ngezi Platinum,” he said. “We played well and were unlucky not to score, but not conceding is good for us. The youngsters we brought in made a difference. I think some of them are now ready to start. We’ll take the point and focus on the next match.”
His TelOne counterpart, Herbert Maruwa, also saw positives from the result.
“A point away from home isn’t bad, especially against a team like CAPS United,” said Maruwa. “We had our chances but just couldn’t finish them off. We’re still in the race and we’ll keep pushing. It was a balanced game and we’ll fix the mistakes ahead of our next home match.”
CAPS United XI:
Stephen Odai Kwaku, Bruce Kangwa, Brian Kadamanja, Chitosho Chinga, Kelvin Mangiza, Tanaka Shandirwa, Kundai Benyu, Nyasha Chintuli (Mabiala 70’), Phineas Bamusi (Junior Bunjira 65’), Ishmael Wadi (Matindife 79’), Chris Magulu (Jayden Bakare 65’)
TelOne XI:
Tapiwa Chilenga, Calvin Chigara, Pawell Govere, Tawanda Macheke, Prince Milanzi, Elton Chikona, Admire Dzumbunu, Bruno Mtigo, Frank Makarati, Panashe Mutasa, Leeroy Murape (Makumbe 75’)
