ZPC Kariba and MWOS FC played out a tense 0-0 draw in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter at Nyamhunga Stadium yesterday, leaving both sides to lament a string of squandered opportunities.
The match ignited at a blistering pace as both teams hunted for an early breakthrough. ZPC Kariba captain Collen Muleya and Wayne Kamurai dominated the midfield for the hosts, while MWOS relied on Tinotenda Mutyambizi to pull the strings in the center, feeding forward Wilson Mensah.
The hosts’ first real opening arrived midway through the half. A loose ball fell to Charles Munyanyi on the left flank, but his resulting volley sailed harmlessly wide.
Shortly after, Munashe Kamwendo showed flashes of brilliance on the wing, but he found no way past an MWOS backline marshalled by the resolute Innocent Zambezi.
MWOS answered back through Nigel Makumbe, whose ambitious long-range effort was comfortably gathered by ZPC keeper Future Sibanda.
Just before the interval, Charles Sibanda nearly punished a defensive lapse by Carlos Musimwa, but his snap-shot missed the target, sending the sides into the tunnel deadlocked.
The second half mirrored the first, with play swinging end-to-end. Marceline Mlilo became the protagonist for MWOS early in the period, repeatedly probing the ZPC defense. However, the home side’s rearguard, anchored by Kelvin Gwao, refused to buckle.
MWOS intensified the pressure late in the game as Nigel Makumbe’s dangerous corner went begging when Mensah failed to connect. Shortly after, Aristotle Manyamba unleashed a stinging volley that forced a fingertip save from Sibanda, while substitute Billy Veremu injected fresh energy that haunted the ZPC defense without finding a clinical finish.
- Title rivals face tough weekend
- DeMbare, FC Platinum fight for Chibuku Cup
- ZPC Kariba thumps Manica Diamonds
- ZPC Kariba move closer to safety
Keep Reading
ZPC Kariba had their own what if moments in the closing stages. Malvin Whata missed a golden opportunity, failing to direct a header goalward from a long Kamwendo delivery. Despite a late free kick for the visitors, the breakthrough remained elusive, and the referee blew for full-time at 0-0.
Newman Mashipe ZPC Kariba head coach shared his sentiments on the game.
“More and more disappointments,” Mashipe said. “I feel we were moving forward well today, but we didn’t retain the ball enough. We missed clear chances in both halves; we are playing well, but the goals just aren't coming.”
MWOS FC Lloyd Mutasawas disappointed with a draw.
“We have come here three times now and left with draws, but such is football,” Mutasa said. “We created the better chances today, and unfortunately, we just couldn't utilise them.”
Man of the match: ZPC Kariba goalkeeper Future Sibanda earned the honors after a commanding performance between the sticks.
"I was happy with how the team played," Sibanda said. "But we need more concentration across the pitch if we are to turn these draws into wins."
