ZPC Kariba were forced to share the spoils with a resilient FC Hunters after playing out a tense 1-1 draw in a hard-fought encounter at Nyamhunga Stadium yesterday.
The hosts enjoyed a dream start, taking the lead just four minutes into the match through Fanuel Shoko. The alert striker pounced on a defensive lapse after the Hunters backline failed to clear their lines, sending the home crowd into early raptures.
Buoyed by the early goal, Kauya Katuruturu sought to double their advantage. Munashe Kamwendo was lively, repeatedly breaking into the visitors' half, while Clive Dzingayi delivered a commanding performance in midfield to disrupt Hunters' rhythm.
However, Hunters skipper Ronald Pfumbidzai used his experience to steady the visitors and maintain composure under pressure.
Hunters gradually grew into the game, threatening through King Nadolo, whose surging runs kept the ZPC Kariba backline on high alert.
Defender Calvin Gwao read the danger well to clear his lines on several occasions, before Nadolo again breached the defense, only to see his volley comfortably gathered by ZPC Kariba goalkeeper Tatenda Munditi.
The hosts took their slender 1-0 advantage into the break.
The second half began as a balanced affair, but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart. Junior Meya found the equaliser in the 50th minute, shifting the momentum firmly in favor of Hunters.
The travelling side looked the more threatening outfit after the equalizer, with Nadolo continuing to cause problems out wide and Michael Tapera providing physical presence in the engine room. Despite looking stretched at times, the ZPC Kariba defense held firm to ensure the match ended in a stalemate.
ZPC Kariba coach Expense Chitukutuku expressed contentment with the result, noting the high stakes at this stage of the campaign.
"I think the boys are improving with each game. At this stage of the season, when teams are fighting for the top spot and others are battling relegation, points are hard to come by. A point today is good for the team and good for our campaign," Chitukutuku said.
FC Hunters coach Nesbert Saruchera praised his side’s character on a difficult hunting ground.
"We did well to collect a point. It is never easy to come to Nyamhunga Stadium and leave with something. I have seen big clubs drop maximum points here, so we are happy with the performance. It shows we are progressing well," Saruchera said.