Ngezi Platinum ….. 0 Tsholotsho ………. 0
BY MUNYARADZI MADZOKERE IN NGEZI
TITLE challengers Ngezi Platinum blew a chance to go top of the log after a frustrating afternoon in which they did everything possible, but still failed to breach the Tsholotsho defence at Boabab Stadium in Mhondoro yesterday.
Tsholotsho goalkeeper, Mariyon Chang was inspirational, while his defence complemented him and when both were found wanting, the goal posts stepped in to deny the hosts a win.
Ngezi are now tied on points with log leaders Dynamos, but they have an inferior goal difference as the season approaches the climax.
Dynamos have a chance to take an outright lead in the championship race when they take on Harare City today.
“It was a very disappointing result. I thought we did everything to win the game, but we couldn’t just score. We did put a lot of pressure, especially in the second half, but we could not get the three points,” Ngezi Platinum coach Tonderai Ndiraya said.
Ndiraya, however, remains optimistic of the team’s title hopes.
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“Twenty one points is a massive number of points to fight for, so there’s a lot of twists and turns that are going to happen. What is encouraging is that there isn’t any clear team that has run away with it and we are separated by a few points, “he said.
Chang was called into action twice in the first 10 minutes, tipping out Terrence Dzvukamanja’s header before beating away a stinging drive from Tichaona Mabvura.
Tsholotsho slowly got into the groove and could have been rewarded when exciting winger Lucky Nyathi drew a low-diving save from Ngezi goal keeper Takabva Mawaya before the half hour mark.
Late in the second half, striker Clive Augusto failed to connect an inviting cross from Mabvura.
Chang produced another unbelievable save seven minutes after the breather, stretching his hand out to prevent Maclive Phiri’s out footer from finding the top corner.
The rebound dropped just in front of the goal line before the defence cleared it.
Ngezi dominated possession for long periods, but failed to convert the advantage into meaningful chances.
The Tsholotsho defence marshalled by Bruno Madanhire and Trust Nyabinde stood firm.
Lady luck could not help but rescue the visitors after Dzvukamanja’s header cannoned off the crossbar with less than 10 minutes to go.
After Chang was beaten, Marshall Phiri stood big and cleared a Dzvukamanja shot with his head.
Visitors coach Darlington Dodo celebrated the point gained.
“This is a point gained, especially playing Ngezi at their home you can’t expect to overrun them just like that. It was a tough game but we had a game plan for Ngezi and we managed to contain them,” he said.
Teams: Ngezi Platinum: T Mawaya, D Tavari, D Mukandi, P Jaure, L Chakoroma (M Chatsamba, 58’), C Augusto, G Murwira, M Phiri (D Teguru, 70’), T Mabvura, T Dzvukamanja, Q Amini Tsholotsho: C Mariyon, T Nyabinde, B Madanhire, X Ndlovu, M Phiri, T Tavengwa, S Mhlanga, M Mushonga, A Ncube (C Nkomo74’), L Nyathi, N Mpala (T Chimenya 73’)
