Online Reporter
Oscar Rusenga in Triangle
Triangle United . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 (1)
TelOne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 (1)
TRIANGLE United stretched their unbeaten run to six matches, but will feel they dropped two points after being held to a 1-1 draw by visiting TelOne in an engaging Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie at Gibbo yesterday.
Joel Munsaka’s second-half penalty gave the hosts the lead, but substitute Tadiwa Mambudzi salvaged a point for the Wi-Fi Boys, who also extended their own unbeaten streak to five games.
It was a back-and-forth affair from the outset. TelOne started brighter, with Panashe Mutasa drawing an early save from Triangle’s young goalkeeper David Mukuze. The teenager, trusted again after a solid outing against Scottland last week, got a crucial touch on Mutasa’s goal-bound strike before it crashed against the upright.
Triangle responded quickly. In the sixth minute, Aaron Zeka chipped over advancing keeper Criss Mverechena, but Bruno Mtigo tracked back to clear off the line.
Both sides created half chances in a lively first half, but were unable to break the deadlock. Triangle coach Genesis Mangombe was forced into an early change when midfielder Reginalt Ngazima suffered a nasty injury just before half-time. He was rushed to hospital, with Munashe Bamara replacing him.
Mangombe’s side came out flying in the second half. Just five minutes in, Frank Makarati handled Bamara’s goal-bound shot inside the area. The TelOne captain was lucky to escape with a yellow card, but Triangle were awarded a penalty.
Munsaka stepped up, kept his cool and slotted home, sending the keeper the wrong way to give Triangle the lead. It was the first penalty TelOne had conceded under coach Herbert Maruwa’s tenure.
The goal sparked urgency. Five minutes later, Admire Dzumbunu nearly levelled but his header from a corner rattled the crossbar.
The equaliser did eventually come in the 75th minute. Triangle’s back-line failed to deal with a routine attack, and Mambudzi, who had replaced Mutasa, pounced to score with ease.
Mangombe introduced debutant Ali Maliselo in the 54th minute and the youngster impressed in his cameo. He had a goal ruled out for offside and forced two good saves from Mverechena late on as Triangle pushed for a winner.
“I’m happy with how the boys played. We scored a good goal and I thought Maliselo’s strike was legitimate too,” Mangombe said.
“Maybe the assistant had a better view, but for me, that was a clear goal. The good thing is we’re not losing. Now we need to start turning these draws into wins because the top half isn’t far.”
TelOne were without leading scorer Washington Navaya, who is on trial in South Africa. Maruwa was still content with the point and praised his team’s response.
“I’m happy with a point. It wasn’t an easy game. They scored first but we stayed calm and got the equaliser,” said Maruwa.
“Navaya was supposed to join us after the game, but we allowed him to travel early. His absence gave someone else a chance, and the replacement scored.”
