We are to blame, Ndiraya says

19 Mar, 2017 - 00:03 0 Views
We are to blame, Ndiraya says

The Sunday Mail

Ngezi Platinum Stars . . . . . . . . .0

Recreativo do Libolo . . . . . . . . . 0

(Libolo progress 2-1 on aggregate.)

THE brief for Tonderai Ndiraya and his men was to enjoy the ride.

However, the manner in which they were bundled out of the CAF Confederations Cup by Recreativo do Libolo at the National Sports Stadium yesterday left a bitter taste in the mouth.

At least a 1-0 win would have taken Ngezi to the next stage after the locals had lost the first leg 2-1 a week ago.

They created several chances but could not convert any.

Libolo might have progressed, but the Angolans looked too ordinary an opponent to trouble Ngezi.

Ngezi had a goal disallowed after former captain Liberty Chakoroma rifled home in the 71st minute, but unlike last week, this time Comoros referee Ali Mohamed Adelaid’s call to deny the goal was not contested.

Second half substitute MacClive Phiri and Terrence Dzukamanja produced unbelievable misses in the second half.

Ndiraya conceded that failure to convert chances was his men’s biggest undoing.

“We have ourselves to blame, I thought in the second half we got about three chances to score but we couldn’t,” Ndiraya said post match.

“So it’s difficult when you play a match, do everything (but) you don’t score and (obviously) you don’t win. If you want to win you have to score.”

With their fate sealed Ndiraya also took time to assess his team’s maiden African safari outing.

“We leave the tournament with our heads held high, no one gave us a chance to be here but here we are.”

Winger Donald Teguru, wearing the famed number 10, was lively all afternoon for Ngezi and with better finishing from his teammates could have capped it with at least three assists.

Former Dynamos striker Kenneth Bulaji was the first to fluff his chance after being set up by

Teguru.

Bulaji tried to scoop the ball into the net when a simple redirection of the ball could have given the hosts the lead with 19 minutes on the clock.

But the best chance fell to Phiri three minutes before the hour mark as the substitute shot wide with the goalkeeper a beaten man and the partisan crowd on their feet, ready to salute the opener.

Libolo rarely threatened and looked content with winding the clock and it was not surprising when two of their players, defender Eddie Marcos and Batista, were cautioned for time wasting before the breather.

Teams

Ngezi Platinum Stars: Nelson Chadya, Partson Jaure, Godknows Murwira (E Mhungu 84th), Dominic Mukandi, Walter Mukanga, Liberty Chakoroma, Donald Teguru, Tichaona Mabvura (W Pakamisa 76th), Qadr Amini, Kenneth Bulaji (M Phiri 53rd), Terrence Dzukamanja

Recreativo do Libolo: Ricardo Batista, Nelson Fonseca, Celson Costa (K David 65th), Inacio Cassuque, Sidney Mariano, Fabricio Simoes (M Diawara 75th), Wilson Macamo, Mario Oliveira, Hercaion Kalenga, Mariano Luvunga, Eddie Afonso

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