ZPC Kariba . . . (0) 1
Chapungu . . . (1) 1
HOW MINE . . . 0
FLAME LILY . . . 0
ZPC Kariba stretched their unbeaten run to five matches after coming from behind to share the spoils with Chapungu in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Nyamhunga Stadium yesterday.
BY NUNURAI JENA AND FORTUNE MBELE
Chapungu started the game strongly and were rewarded in the 11th minute when Tineyi Chitora sliced the ball home after being fed by evergreen Philip Marufu who had a good game.
ZPC Kariba came back from the break a rejuvenated side as they pressurised for an equaliser, forcing two corner kicks in the 49th minute.
A shrewd substitution by veteran coach Sunday Chidzambwa did the trick for ZPC when substitute Limited Chikafa equalised in the 70th minute from close range after a cross by Raphael Manuvire.
Chapungu coach Nyikadzino was full of praise for his charges for collecting a vital point away from home.
“I’m very happy with the point and the character and determination that my players showed in this game, considering that we were playing away from home,” said Nyikadzino.
His opposite number, Chidzambwa was not impressed by the performance by his players.
“Unfortunately, today we didn’t play our normal game. Normally we play better than this and create a lot of chances, which we didn’t do,” said Chidzambwa.
Meanwhile, at Luveve Stadium Flame Lily held How Mine to a goalless draw in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match that they could have easily won to ease their relegation woes.
The prison side played better than the hosts for the better part of the 90 minutes, but the goals were not coming, with coach Takesure Chiragwi saying mathematically they still have a chance to survive the chop.
With the point, Flame Lily went to 24 points, but did not move an inch up the ladder, remaining on position three from the bottom.
“It is a very important point. I would have wanted to win the game as we are fighting relegation, but it’s unfortunate it ended goalless. We still have a chance mathematically, our destiny is in God’s hands. I am happy that we are collecting points when it matters most and we have been playing very well of late,” Chiragwi said.
His counterpart at How Mine, Sheunesu Chaka also said How Mine needed the three points, but admitted their performance was not up to scratch. The gold miners also remain on position 10 with 34 points.
“We needed the three points, but a point is okay. We played badly as we defended too deep in our own half. We are also in the relegation zone and it’s unfortunate we have not won any game since we came in,” Chaka said.