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Patrick Chitumba at Bata Stadium in Gweru
TelOne FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
ZPC Kariba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
TelOne FC’s struggles at home continued as they were held to a 1-1 stalemate by a resilient ZPC Kariba, in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Bata Stadium in Gweru yesterday.
The match exploded into life from the opening whistle, with both teams creating scoring opportunities in a frenetic start.
TelOne FC struck the first blow in the fifth minute, as Washington Navaya pounced on a gift from ZPC Kariba goalkeeper Munditi Tatenda, who fluffed a routine cross, allowing the striker to capitalise on the mistake and fire the home team into the lead.
ZPC Kariba restored parity in 18 minutes, with Collen Muleya pouncing on a rebound after Chris Mverechena, the TelOne goalkeeper, failed to hold a free kick from a distance, before the ball bounced off his legs and went straight to the alert Muleya, who slotted home with a simple touch.
TelOne coach Herbert Maruwa said it was a bad day for the team after recording another draw at home.
“It was not a good game, especially in the first half. Yes, we did well to score an early goal but we failed to defend and they equalised. Like I have been saying, we have been losing games at home, which is worrying but the fact that we got a point is better because the point is going to count at the end of the season,” he said.
His counterpart, Newton Chitewe, was an unhappy coach, saying that they travelled for maximum points and not a draw.
“It’s not a good result because we came here looking for three points. If we had buried some shots in the first half, we could have won the match.
“The performance of the team was better according to the strategy we employed for today’s game, we played very well,” he said.
The match kicked off at a blistering pace, with both teams pushing hard for an early opener.
TelOne FC were forced into an early change on 12 minutes, with Blessing Sahondo replacing the injured Collin Chidomaya.
Teams
TelOne FC: Mverechena Chris (Gk), Nyabinde Trust, Kwinjo Marlvin, Mafirenyika Eriya, Dzumbunu Admire, Hofisi Leo, Muza Fradrick (Nyandoro Aubrey 68th minute), Jaison Kudzai (Frankson Bushiri 43rd minute), Chidomaya Collin (Sahondo Blessing 12th minute), Navaya Washington (Gwerina Lloyd 68th minute) Jaravani Tafadzwa
ZPC Kariba: Munditi Tatenda (Gk), Shoko Fanuel, Gurende Nyasha, Boid Muturuke, Gavaza Munashe, Dzingayi Kudzanai, Muleya Collen, Gwanzura Alois Chiyamuro Given 70th minute), Makawa Samuel (Hondo Epton 90th minute), Murape Leeroy, Migoz Svinurayi (Karengesha Ashwin 78th minute)
Online Reporter