adminFrom Oscar Rusenga in Chiredzi
Chiredzi . . . . . . . . . . . (1)1
ZPC Kariba . . . . . . . (0)1
NEWBOYS ZPC Kariba continued with their fairytale run yesterday when they fought hard for a point against hosts Chiredzi at Chishamiso to remain unbeaten in 18 Premiership games. Saul Chaminuka’s men almost shot themselves in the foot yesterday when they fell to a fourth minute own goal by their defender Ephraim Mwinga before Tsepo Ranthokoane rescued a point just three minutes after the restart.
ZPC Kariba, however, remain second on the log table but are now level on 32 points with leaders Highlanders and defending champions Dynamos in third place.
Chiredzi started the match on a high note as they got a priceless goal early when ZPC defender Mwinga put the ball into his own nets under pressure from Chiredzi forward David Temwanjira.
Chiredzi could have added another goal but Temwanjira could only see his shot go wide off target with Kariba goalminder Tendai Hove well beaten.
ZPC Kariba never looked like title contenders as they played casual football as they went to the water break trailing by a goal to nil.
Scholar Hadebe missed what looked like a clear chance to add another goal for the hosts when he pulled his effort off target in the 47th minute.
It was the visitors who looked more determined and hungry and replied instantly through Tsepo Rantohokoane a minute later from close range with a scorcher that hit the roof of the net.
Sam Msimbu was introduced in the 55th minute for Hadebe who made an immediate impact as he dribbled past a cluster of defenders before unleashing a ferocious shot with just two minutes on the pitch.
ZPC Kariba continued to raid the Chiredzi box through Tawanda Nyamandwe and Pride Tafirenyika but the home side’s defence looked solid, marshalled by David Sengu and Muchineripi Muneri.
Substitute Norman Maroto missed a good chance as he could not connect a cross from Temwanjira in the 90th minute.
Kariba coach Saul Chaminuka refused to comment on the game and looked bitter as he rushed to the changing rooms at the final whistle.
“You as journalists need to write what you see, if you think the officiating was ok then all I can say is we failed to play, we failed to score”, said Chaminuka.
Gishon Ntini was happy with the result despite failing to collect maximum points.
“I am happy to collect a point because that’s the most important thing if we want to avoid the drop.
“The boys played very well and they really showed they wanted it most but a share of spoils is not a bad result since they (ZPC Kariba) were equally good.
“They did not create as many chances as we did and they must blame themselves for that not the match officials. People want to point fingers when they don’t get their desired results but sometimes credit must go to those who deserve it”, said Ntini.
Teams:
Chiredzi F.C
B.Chipula , T.Mutete, R.Maketo (K.Nyamupfukudza 76th minute) ,D.Sengu, M.Chinembeza, M.Muneri, T.Mpungu, M.Gaki (N.Maroto 61st minute), S.Hadebe (S.Msimbu 55th minute) D.Bakali, D.Temwanjira
ZPC Kariba F.C
T.Hove, O.Mwerahari, T.Nyamandwe, E.Mwinga, A.Nyamiwa, T.Munyanduri, P.Tafirenyika, D.Phiri, T.Rantohokoane, D.Chakupe, D.Dauda
Online Reporter