Simba Bhora . . . . . . . 0
Hunters . . . . . . . . . . . .0
Former Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Simba Bhora maintained their unbeaten start to the season, but were left frustrated after being held to a goalless draw by a gritty Hunters side at Wadzanayi Stadium yesterday.
Coming off a clinical season-opening away victory against Manica Diamonds last week, many expected the 2024 kings to roll over the newly promoted outfit.
However, Hunters—who proved their mettle by holding last season’s runners-up MWOS last week—once again showed they are no pushovers, employing a disciplined defensive masterclass to stifle the hosts.
For Simba Bhora coach Mandla Mpofu, the result was a bittersweet introduction to his new home crowd.
While his side remains undefeated, he lamented the missed opportunity to claim maximum points in his first game at Wadzanayi since taking the reins at the start of the season.
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"It was a very tough game," Mpofu admitted. "No big opportunities created from both sides. I think they did better than we had expected, especially in the first half. They were in charge and in control as they could pass the ball around. They were quick."
Despite the slow start, Mpofu saw improvements after the interval. "We were a better team in the second half. We had one good opportunity where I thought we could have buried it. I think Pokello (Claude Mapoka) should have done better. Still, I'm happy with the performance; it could be a precious point in the long run."
Across the technical area, Hunters coach Nesbert Saruchera was the happier of the two men, celebrating a second consecutive point against the league's heavyweights.
"Considering we were playing away from home, snatching a draw is not easy against the former champions," said Saruchera. "We did well and managed to collect one point, so I’m happy."
The contest began as a balanced affair, though Simba Bhora will rue early lapses in front of goal.
Defender Carlos Mavhurume saw a free header from a corner drift wide, while Blessed Ndereki blazed over from close range.
The home side’s rhythm was disrupted just 20 minutes in when captain Blessing Moyo was stretchered off with an injury.
The best chance of the match fell to Claude Mapoka in the second half, who expertly chested down a high ball before firing from point-blank range.
However, Hunters' goalkeeper Kelvin Shangiwa produced a stunning save to keep the scores level.
As the pressure mounted, Never Tigere dragged a shot wide and Webster Tafa missed the target with a header.
Sensing the momentum shifting, Saruchera introduced former Dynamos midfielder Vusa Ngwenya and Godfrey Dabgwa to stabilize the midfield.
The tactical tweak worked. Despite late pressure and two free-kicks from Tigere in the dying embers of the match, Simba Bhora could not find the breakthrough, leaving the two team settle for a share of the spoils.
Teams
Simba Bhora: W Thole, W Tafa, L Chaziya, I Nyanhi, C Mavhurume (N Tsabora, 46'), B Moyo (A Silla, 20'), B Ndereki (T Mandinyenya, 70'), B Ncube, N Tigere, T Naweseb (C Mukumbira, 60'), C Mapoka (H Masina, 70').
Hunters: K Shangiwa, P Tonha, B Nzori, T Huni (M Mshanga, 65'), J Meya, E Zinyama, B Christopher (M Tapera, 86'), E Ilunga (Russel, 46'), T Chipango, K Nadolo (V Ngwenya, 59'), T Goliath (G Dabgwa, 59').
