ZPC held at home

26 May, 2019 - 00:05 0 Views

The Sunday Mail

Dennis Kagonye in KARIBA

ZPC Kariba…………………………1

Manica Diamonds………………….1

NYAMHUNGA stadium is fast becoming a fortress of sorts, as ZPC Kariba seem get that extra bit of magic every time the Mashonaland West-based outfit play at home.

Having already dispatched of Ngezi Platinum (1-0), Yadah (2-1) and Herentals (1-0); ZPC met their biggest challenge yet, and were held by a seasoned Manica Diamonds in an entertaining match-up yesterday.

After a goalless, but entertaining first half, the visitors thought they had found the winner when Stanley Ngala capitalised on some loose defending from ZPC and slotted the ball home with the first action after the breather.

Ngala intercepted an attempted back pass from Sylvester Appiah, and slid the ball past Tafadzwa Mayaya.

Earlier on, ironically with the last kick of the first half, Manica could have opened their account when Last Jesi’s curling free-kick beat Mayaya again, but his shot rebounded off by the crossbar.

Both pieces of action were the highlight of Manica Diamond’s dominant opening hour, the most by any visiting team in the local Premiership that has visited Kariba so far.

Unfortunately, for the visitors, the game was turned on its head in the 63rd minute, as James Marufu provided the all-important equalizer.

The veteran midfielder headed home Nigel Makumbe’s free-kick.

“Well, to be honest this was a well contested game of two halves, the biggest test we have had at home so far,” said ZPC head coach Godfrey Tamirepi.

“All credit should go to our opponents, for a very spirited first half during which they actually exerted their will upon us.

“We found it very difficult playing them, especially their long balls and in the middle of the park.

“However, I believe we had a very good second half, and could have got all three points had we made full use of our chances towards the end,” Tamirepi said.

His comments were echoed by his opposite number Luke Masomere.

“A draw away is not a bad result and credit to my boys who played some very good football.

“Coming into this match we had a game plan, the boys played to instructions and I am only disappointed that we leave here with only point and not the maximum,’’ Masomere said.

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