BY NUNURAI JENA/MUNYARADZI MADZOKERE
ZPC KARIBA . . . . (0) 0
DYNAMOS . . . . . (0) 0
SECOND-PLACED Dynamos missed a golden opportunity to reduce the gap at the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League log after being held to a goalless draw against ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga Stadium.
The result meant it was two points dropped rather than a point gained for Dynamos, who needed to win in order to stay within touching distance of log leaders FC Platinum.
However, Dynamos coach Tonderayi Ndiraya was content with the point.
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“I want to give credit to my players for such a vintage performance because Nyamhunga is a very difficult hunting ground. It’s a point gained because very few teams come out with maximum points” said Ndiraya.
Dynamos were given some anxious moments as ZPC Kariba dominated in the opening 20 minutes.
ZPC Kariba thought they had taken the lead but Moses Demera’s close-range shot was palmed away for a corner after a good pass by Tinotenda Chiunye.
After a goalless first half ZPC Kariba created a few good opportunities with Demera coming close again with a shot inside the box mid the upright post by a few inches while Chiunye also had an effort saved by Dynamos keeper Taimon Mvula.
A double substitution for Dynamos in the 58th minute bringing in Evans Katema and Emmanuel Paga for Tinashe Makanda and Albert Eonde failed to change the complexion of the game.
The best chance of the second half fell to ZPC Kariba substitute Samuel Makawa in the 86th minute when he found himself face to face with Mvula after a good pass from Chiunye but took long to shoot and defender Sylvester Appiah cleared the ball to safety.
Meanwhile at Mhondoro-Ngezi, Log leaders FC Platinum stretched their unbeaten run to 12 games after playing a goalless draw with fellow platinum miners at Baobab Stadium yesterday. The Zvishavane-based side last lost a match away at Harare City in April and continue to inch closer to a fourth consecutive title.
And with nine matches to play in the season FC Platinum enjoy a six-point cushion over Harare giants Dynamos.
Coach Norman Mapeza was pleased with a point against a team that beat them in the reverse fixture back in March.
“It’s a point gained for us; games are becoming difficult. I am happy with the performance of the boys. It wasn’t easy but we need to work more on our decision-making, especially in the final third. This is a massive point for us” he said.
The match was a bit too tactical and provided very little in terms of goalmouth action.
It was no surprise that none of the two teams produced a clear goal-scoring opportunity in the first half.
FC could have taken the lead straight after the restart but Juan Mutudza skied his effort when the ball bounced graciously for him in the box.
The visitors gained a bit of control of the match with some slick passing moves but the hosts’ defence stood firm.
Mutimbanyoka tested Nelson Chadya with a well-taken volley from an angle halfway through the first while at the other end Murasiranwa blazed wide after running through on goal.
Ngezi Platinum’s Delic Murimba had a snapshot from the edge of the box comfortably collected by Wallace. Magalane while Leslie Kashitigu’s effort whistled past the upright post late in the game.
“Playing a team like FC Platinum you have to use your brain mostly in a tactical way but I am happy how my guys responded. They tried to diffuse the opponents’ and play to their own strength unfortunately we couldn’t get a goal so that we could become winners at the end,” the host coach Takesure Chiragwi said after the game.