The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
Chicken Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Ngezi Platinum Stars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
THE top of the table clash between Chicken Inn and Ngezi Platinum produced a damp squib as both sides approached the game with caution and seemed more intent on ensuring they do not lose.
The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match, played at Luveve Stadium yesterday, produced little goal action in the first half as the two sides came in with a cautious approach. The second stanza had more action although chances were few and far in between.
The result saw the two teams leapfrog Black Rhinos with Ngezi taking the pole spot while Chicken Inn are second as they both sit on 28 points and are separated by a goal difference. Rhinos, on 27 points, have a chance to reclaim the top position when they clash against Harare City at Morris Depot in Harare this afternoon.
Ngezi’s attacking midfielder, Tichaona Mabvura had the chance to register his name on the score sheet three minutes from the breather but his rising shot, from the edge of the box, was punched away by Chicken Inn goalkeeper, Elvis Chipezeze.
The home side’s Thomas Kudyaridzire produced a similar shot at the other end in the 68th minute which was also punched away by Nelson Chadya, who was guarding Ngezi’s goal. Kudyaridzire’s strike, five minutes later, seemingly headed for goal was unfortunately blocked by teammate Darryl Nyandoro.
Work horse, Clemence Matawu won the ball inside the penalty area in the 77th minute and he set up Passmore Bernard, who lacked composure and shot over the bar. The stalemate halted Chicken Inn’s winning streak which had seen the former champions collect maximum points in their past five outings.
Chicken Inn coach, Rahman Gumbo and his counterpart, Tonderayi Ndiraya expressed satisfaction with the result saying it was a fair outcome.
“It was a fair result. It turned out to be a very tactful game with both teams neither team wanting to drop points. They came prepared for a draw considering the way they were playing, with seven defensive minded players, it was clear they wanted a draw and the game plan worked in their favour. However, we also played well and the result is fair,” said Gumbo.
Ndiraya said coming from dropping two points at home, he was happy with coming away with a clean sheet.
“Coming from a difficult game at home where we dropped two points, I think we did very well here, it was an evenly balanced, we defended very well. We knew they are a very good side with experienced players. We didn’t want to come here and open up the game and expose ourselves. I am happy we kept a clean sheet after failing to do so in the past three games,” he said.
Teams
Chicken Inn: E Chipezeze, P Bernard, D Lunga, M Jackson, G Goddard, C Matawu, C Samakweri, T Goredema, T Kutinyu, T Kadyaridzire, D Nyandoro (L Lawe, 81st)
Ngezi Platinum: N Chadya, Q Amini, D Tavari, T Dzvukamanja (D Teguru, 75th), W Mukanga, T Mabvura, D Mukandi, K Murera, C Augusto (M Phiri, 59thh), X Moyo, G Murwira
— @rasmthembo
