Stalemate at the break

Chicken Inn 0-0 FC Platinum

Innocent Kurira At Luveve Stadium

THE first half between Chicken Inn and FC Platinum has unfolded as a cagey and closely contested affair, with neither side able to break the deadlock.

In the 17th minute, Xolani Ndlovu delivered a dangerous free kick into the box, which found Mpumelelo Bhebhe in space.

However, Bhebhe was unable to direct his header on target. Moments later, Godfrey Muchenje fired from distance, but his effort sailed harmlessly over the bar.

FC Platinum came close to taking the lead in the 24th minute when a clever turn by Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya one evaded two Chicken Inn defenders.

However, goalkeeper Bernard Donovan was quick off his line to make a crucial save and deny what would have been a stunning opener.

The visitors were forced into an early change after 32 minutes when Shepherd Mhlanga was stretchered off with an injury, and Dylan Nchito came on in his place.

With five minutes remaining in the first half, Chicken Inn had strong claims for a penalty when Brian Muza appeared to be fouled inside the box by FC Platinum goalkeeper David Bizabani. However, referee Mhaka Magare waved away the appeals. Chicken Inn came close once more moments later, as Elshamar Farasi attempted to lob Bizabani, who had strayed off his line, but the effort sailed just over the bar.