Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira At Barbourfields Stadium
Bulawayo Chiefs 0-0 Simba Bhora
BULAWAYO Chiefs and Simba Bhora were forced to settle for a goalless draw in a match that produced chances from both ends but, ultimately lacked the finishing touch.
The first half was a lukewarm affair, though not short of opportunities. Chiefs could have gone ahead as early as the seventh minute when Anesu Saiti found himself clean through on goal. After rounding goalkeeper William Thole, the forward only needed a composed finish but somehow failed to hit the target, letting Simba Bhora off the hook.
The visitors responded in the 17th minute through Elferus Luqman Leevi, who broke through on goal. However, he failed to steady himself at the crucial moment and could not get a proper shot away.
Chiefs continued to press forward, with Nkosilathi Ncube trying his luck from range in the 27th minute, but his effort sailed over the bar. Moments later, a dangerous cross from Nomore Tsabora almost picked out Wellington Makopa, who failed to connect in front of goal.
Simba Bhora also threatened, with Melikhaya Ncube forcing a brilliant low save from Thole with a powerful strike from distance. As the half drew to a close, Nkosilathi Ncube had another opportunity in a promising position, but once again failed to keep his effort down.
The second half began with renewed intensity. Never Tigere tested Chiefs goalkeeper Matripples Mleya just two minutes after the restart, drawing a fine save. Chiefs responded immediately, as Panashe Shoko unleashed an effort from just outside the box. It failed to trouble the target.
As the match wore on, both sides pushed for a winner.
Brian Muza came agonisingly close in the 75th minute when his effort struck the post. He remained a threat moments later, rising for a close-range header that was well saved by Thole.
Despite the late pressure, neither side could find the breakthrough, with poor finishing proving costly for both teams.
In the end, the two teams had to settle for a point apiece in a match that could have easily produced goals, but instead highlighted their struggles in front of goal.
