TelOne FC and ZPC Kariba battled to a hard-fought, goalless draw in a tense encounter marked by fierce midfield action, missed opportunities, and defensive resolve from both sides at Nyamhunga Stadium in Kariba yesterday.
The game ignited early when TelOne’s Washington Navaya unleashed a powerful free kick in the fourth minute, only for ZPC Kariba defender Marshal Gavaza to make a crucial block.
TelOne quickly asserted control of the midfield, with Milton Chimedza orchestrating many of their possessions and probing the ZPC defence.
ZPC Kariba, however, were not without their own threat; Moses Demera tested TelOne keeper Criss Mverechena with a shot in the 16th minute that was gathered comfortably.
The home side momentarily thought they had broken the deadlock in the 28th minute when Charles Munyanyi found the net, but the goal was swiftly ruled out for offside. Despite Chimedza’s continued attempts to penetrate the Kariba danger zone, the first half concluded with no score.
The second half began with neither team willing to give an inch. The intensity remained high, particularly when ZPC Kariba captain Collen Muleya stoutly defended a nimble run by TelOne’s attacking midfielder Nqobizitha Masuku.
Masuku later had an attempt from a header, but it drifted off target. TelOne forward Leeroy Murape also failed to register a breakthrough, sending his effort wide of the post.
Despite a tense final stretch that saw both teams pushing for a late winner, neither side could find the decisive touch, and the match inevitably ended 0-0.
- Econet tariffs shoot up
- TelOne picks EOS Data for agric platform
- Vandalism disrupts TelOne network
- Gweru debtors’ bill soars to $3bn
Keep Reading
Herbert Maruwa, the TelOne head coach, expressed satisfaction with the away point.
“It was a tough match, but we are happy to walk away with a point,” Maruwa said.
“ Our midfield did well to keep the game tight, and the defence stood solid when it mattered most.”
Newton Chitewe, the ZPC Kariba head coach, lamented his team's finishing.
“We were on top for most of the game, but we could not finish our chances,” Chitewe said. “The result is disappointing, but we’ll learn from it and come back stronger.”
