KARIBA, Apr. 6 (NewsDay Live) – TelOne’s difficult start to the season persisted on Monday after they were held to a goalless draw by ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga Stadium.
The result leaves the WiFi Boys still searching for their first win of the campaign, with three draws and three defeats from their opening six matches.
It marks a puzzling downturn for Herbert Maruwa’s side, who finished in the top five last season. They have struggled markedly at home, losing all three of their matches, yet remain unbeaten on the road, with Monday’s result their third consecutive away draw.
The match in Kariba was characterised by missed chances and a lack of clinical finishing from both teams. Despite a lively start, neither side managed to find the decisive edge as the game progressed.
ZPC Kariba’s Munashe Kamwendo squandered an early chance from a long ball, while TelOne’s Marvelous Chigumira forced a routine save from Future Sibanda. Nkosiyabo Masilela posed the biggest threat for the visitors, but his efforts lacked precision, either drifting wide or clearing the crossbar.
The hosts asserted more control after the break, with Kelvin Gwao and Cephas Musikavanhu providing defensive stability. However, late efforts from Kudzai Ngwende and Remmington Masuku failed to break the deadlock.
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TelOne had a late opportunity to snatch victory, but Tatenda Elton Chikona fired over, ensuring the points were shared.
Despite the result, TelOne coach Herbert Maruwa drew positives from the defensive performance.
“I am happy to keep a clean sheet. It shows we are moving in a positive direction despite the harsh weather conditions. The boys did well under very difficult conditions. On another day we could have scored late, but that’s football,” he said.
ZPC Kariba coach Newman Mushipe expressed disappointment at dropping points at home.
“This is a very disappointing result. We hoped to capitalise at home after drawing away. In the first half we did well, but we did not create enough clear chances. We tried to change tactics in the second half, but it did not work. Still, a point is better than none,” he said.