Ngezi fluff their lines

Don Makanyanga in NGEZI
Ngezi Platinum Stars  . . . . . . . .  0

Tsholotsho FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0

TONDERAI NDIRAYA was left a frustrated man after his charges blew a chance to go on top of Castle Lager Premier Soccer League after firing blanks at the Baobab yesterday.

A few days after stunning ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga, very few expected Ngezi to struggle in this fixture but the Mhondoro side failed to live up to their billing.

They could have gone two points clear at the top with a win but the draw left Ngezi Platinum on 53 points and with an inferior goal difference to leaders Dynamos.

“It’s quite frustrating that we have to get such a result at home. It’s two points lost I would say,” said Ndiraya.

Ngezi beat Tsholotsho 4-1 in the reverse fixture and their fans expected another easy ride but it was not to be as the visitors put up a solid defensive show.

The home side lacked urgency in a first half they looked nothing like a team chasing the league title with their only meaningful chance of the stanza coming in the 42nd minute.

It was fluffed by Clive Augusto.

Madamburo increased the tempo in the second half but lacked the cutting edge in the final third.

In the 52nd minute, Augusto’s effort was punched back into play by Tsholotsho keeper Chang Mariyoni.

Terrence Dzukamanja hit the cross bar in the 81st minute and that was to be his last contribution as he was hauled off for Kelvin Bulaji seven minutes later.

Although he was not amused with yesterday’s result, Ndiraya remains optimistic about his team’s chances of landing a historic championship title.

“There are still 21 points to fight for and that is quite a massive number. There will be a lot of twists and turns in the remaining games.

“It’s not quite clear who is running away with it and we are still hopeful.

“We now need to work on our home record because we can’t afford to lose points at home. Hopefully we will start collecting maximum points in our next home game against Dynamos,” he said.

Teams

Ngezi Platinum Stars: T. Mawaya, D. Tavari, P. Jaure, G. Murwira, M. Phiri (D. Teguru 70), D. Mukandi, L. Chakoroma (M Charamba 58), Q. Amini, T. Mabvura, C. Augusto, T. Dzukamanja (K. Bulaji 88)

 

Tsholotsho FC: C. Mariyoni, T. Nyabinde, X. Ndlovu, M. Phiri, T. Tavengwa, S. Mhlanga, M. Mushonga, A. Ncube (C. Nkomo 73), L. Nyathi, N. Mpala (T. Chimenya 73),