The Sunday News
From Allan Foti at Rufaro Stadium
Black Rhinos FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(1) 1
Bulawayo City FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)1
AFTER falling asleep in the first half, Bulawayo City came alive in the second to completely dominate Black Rhinos and snatch a draw during a Castle Lager Premiership encounter at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.
Goals by Benjamin Marere for Rhinos and Innocent Kutsanzira for Bulawayo City settled affairs in this cagey encounter. Rhinos were first to settle controlling the midfield through Martin Mine. Mine was central to Rhinos’ early moves and in the 2nd minute took the first shot of the match which was saved comfortably by Bulawayo City goalkeeper, Ndodana Sibanda.
In the 24th minute, Rhinos pressure paid off when Bulawayo City conceded a free kick on the left after skipper Zibusiso Sibanda obstructed speedy Chiwunga who had been played through by Kureva. The visiting captain received a yellow card for his troubles and from the resultant free kick, Marere beat Douglas Sibanda to flash his header past the Bulawayo City goalkeeper to put his team deservedly ahead.
After this goal, Rhinos continued to dominate with Douglas Sibanda continuing to struggle to contain a rampant Marere. Marere almost doubled his sides lead when a loose ball beat Douglas, but the army forward’s first touch failed him to allow the visitors goalkeeper to rush forward and collect.
Rhinos continued to dominate but failed to add more goals.
In the second half, Bulawayo City started like a house on fire with the midfield duo of Innocent Kutsanzira and Sipho Ndlovu pulling the strings.
Bulawayo City continued to threaten and were finally rewarded when Kutsanzira stunned the hosts with a goal of pure class in the 72nd minute. The creative midfielder received the ball 45 yards out and managed to wrap his foot around the ball to beat Rhinos goalkeeper Herbert Rusawo at the far post. After this goal, Bulawayo City continued to threaten but Rhinos held on for the draw.
Bulawayo City coach, Mandla Mpofu was disappointed with his side’s first half performance, but commended them for rallying and coming back into it in the second half.
“We struggled in the first half with our midfield failing to contain Rhinos, but I am happy that in the second half we managed to get our together and get a goal back,” said Mpofu after the match.
