The Sunday Mail
Mutare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0
Chapungu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0
POOR Mutare City Rovers remain stuck in the relegation zone after being held by a stubborn Chapungu in a rather drab Castle Lager Premier Soccer League affair at Sakubva yesterday.
The Eastern Highlands based side has three wins in 16 matches. Their defence is the most porous having conceded 25 times and things are not looking good for the Taku Shariwa coached outfit.
The rovers dominated the second half, especially after the introduction of veteran midfielder Wonder Sithole, and could have snatched victory through the former Dynamos man but his header was tipped over in the 65th minute.
In the end, Gusha Bhora had to settle for a draw which pushes them to 12 points, level with 14th placed Tsholotsho.
However, the Mutare side has an inferior goal difference.
“It was a drab affair but a point at home is not that bad considering that we lost to Chapungu in the reverse fixture.
“We missed a number of chances, especially in the second half but I would like to think it was a 50-50 contest,” said Shariwa.
It was a valuable point on the road for Chapungu whose coach John Nyikadzino admitted that Sakubva is not an easy place to visit.
“We would have wanted maximum points but couldn’t win the match. It was a highly tactical match because most of the players know each other. A point away from home is a plus for us,” he said.
Chapungu, who beat Mutare City Rovers 2-0 in the reverse fixture at Ascot, moved to 19 points and remain 12th on the log standings.
Teams
Mutare City Rovers: V. Twaliki, M. Tapatapa, V. Madamombe, W. Mapfumo, S. Muchabaya, B. Majamanda, K. Gurure (C. Ngondonga 52), S. Sibanda (F. Muza 71), A. Murimba, M. Soko, S. Hadebe (W. Sithole 52)
Chapungu: R. Mazingi, J. Mukombwe, H. Mugoniwa, B. Mbavarira, B. Zabula, C. Kwaramba, G. Phiri, F. Bushiri (A. Peperere 82), X. Ncube (R. Mhlanga 64), P. Khumbula (T. Magwendere 72), A Tavarwisa
