The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
Yadah Stars…………………………1
Harare City…………………………1
ERRANT former Dynamos player Sydney Linyama resurfaced in Yadah Stars’ colours yesterday but the evidently rusty defender struggled to contain Harare City attackers as the two sides shared the spoils at Rufaro. The 26-year-old Linyama, who tried his luck in DR Congo early this year before the move collapsed, had a torrid time dealing with veteran striker Kuda Musharu and the tricky Ishmael Wadi who is reportedly being chased by South African side Maritzburg United.
Harare City, who have now registered three straight draws under the guidance of stand-in coach Mark Mathe, went in front after 27 minutes when Yadah Stars’ keeper Ali Issah did an Elvis Chipezeze as he let a harmless Takudzwa Chimwemwe free kick slip through his fingers.
Yadah equalised during the 73rd minute through a header from veteran striker Ralph Matema who had reacted swiftly to a Wellington Kamudyariwa corner kick.
Martin Vengesayi should have put City back into the lead in the 35th minute but he hit the side net after he was teed up by Wadi, who had capitalised on a Linyama miscue.
Yadah came close in added time of the first half when Leeroy Mavhunga’s stinging shot was cleared off the line by Chimwemwe.
The Walter Magaya owned side controlled the latter stages of the game but could not find the back of the net and remain in the relegation zone with 14 points from 15 matches.
Yadah had a chance to bury the game in the 88th minute when they were awarded an indirect free kick inside the arch but James Chitereki wasted it. Harare City remain 10th with 20 points but Mathe is optimistic that he will soon start picking up wins. The Sunshine Boys host Dynamos at Rufaro next weekend. “It was a well-contested game, the lads gave it their all but the opponents had more desire than us, I thought my players threw in the towel a bit too early,” said Mathe. For Yadah coach Genesis Mangombe, it was two points lost rather than a point gained. “We lost two points, we are in the relegation zone and a point cannot stretch you out of relegation,” said Mangombe. He acknowledged that Linyama had a rather poor debut for “The Miracle Boys.” Winger Issah Sadiki, young brother to former FC Platinum star Ali, was outstanding throughout the afternoon.
Teams
Yadah Stars: A. Issah, Z. Bizeki, A. Makopa, S. Linyama, J. Chitereki, E. Karembo, W. Kamudyariwa, I. Sadiki, R. Matema, L. Mavhunga (L. Mucheto 59th min), G. Mangani (M. Meleka 85th min)
Harare City: M. Nyamupangedengu, M. Machazani, C. Mujuru, M. Diro Nyenye, T. Chimwemwe, W. Mukanga, M. Vengesayi (S. Masukuta 82nd min), T. Tavengwa, K. Musharu, I. Wadi (D. Chimwemwe 66th min), H. Chapusha (T. Pio 46th min).
