ZPC Kariba and Ngezi Platinum battled to a dramatic 1-1 draw at Nyamhunga Stadium yesterday, in a tense encounter decided in the final seconds of stoppage time.
The home side started brightly, with Malvin Whata posing the first real threat in the 7th minute after slicing through Polite Moyo’s defense, only to drag his shot wide.
Minutes later, Whata found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Tatenda Chikowero again, but fired his effort straight into the keeper’s gloves.
ZPC dominated the early exchanges, heavily driven by Munashe Kamwendo pulling the strings in midfield.
Ngezi gradually grew into the game. Tinotenda Musarirwa forced a brilliant save from ZPC’s Tatenda Munditi with a crisp volley, while Marvelous Mukumba began controlling the tempo for the visitors.
Mukumba broke through just before the break, but Munditi stood firm to keep the scoreline 0-0 at halftime.
The second half opened with a flurry of missed chances at both ends.
Tinashe Mafudzi found himself clean through on goal for Ngezi but failed to finish. ZPC responded quickly when Genius Mutungamiri set up Whata, who uncharacteristically missed from close range.
Gomezgani Chirwa’s volley then flew over the bar, and Honesty Moyo headed a free kick wide as Ngezi Platinum fought back.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 64th minute.
Whata made no mistake this time, slotting home to put ZPC Kariba 1-0 up and sending the Nyamhunga crowd into a frenzy.
With the lead secured, Kamwendo continued to dictate play as the home side chased a cushion goal.
Refusing to back down, Ngezi pushed hard for an equalizer.
Musarirwa failed to connect with a long ball from Chirwa, Mukumba sent a free header over the bar, and Honesty Moyo’s volley went straight into the waiting arms of Munditi.
Just when ZPC thought they had secured all three points, Ngezi struck at the death.
In the 94th minute, Chirwa unleashed a stunning volley that beat Munditi to rescue a 1-1 draw, silencing the home stadium.
ZPC Kariba head coach Expense Chitukutuku was measured after the final whistle:
"Although we needed three points, unfortunately we conceded in the final moments,” he said.
“But there’s a noticeable improvement from the guys. Our next assignment against Manica Diamonds is going to be a tough match, but we are going to prepare thoroughly."
Ngezi Platinum FC head coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva was upbeat about walking away with a point.
"I think it’s a positive result for the team, especially coming off a 2-0 loss to Scotland in our last match,” he said.
“With the kind of performance I saw today, I believe we can go far."