ZPC hold Hwange
ZPC HWANGE (0) 1
Hwange FC (0) 1
Victor Sibanda in Hwange
ZPC HWANGE forced a draw with Hwange FC in a Southern Region Division One derby which had a lot riding on it in deciding where the title goes and who represents the region in the Premier Soccer League next year.
The match, which failed to live up to its billing, was played at Chakona Stadium yesterday before a capacity crowd.It was a cagey affair devoid of creativity.
Log leaders Hwange could have drawn first blood in the 5th minute but dependable attacker, Cannon Nkomo watched his effort agonisingly hit the side netting.
In the 60th minute, Hwange scored a beautiful goal through Gwitima.Eddie Nkhulungo won the ball in the middle of the park to set up Gwitima with a defence splitting pass. Gwitima’ dribbled past a forest of ZPC defenders in the box before turning to unleash a ferocious shot that hit the roof of the nets, giving no chance to goalkeeper, Ishael Mudimba.
Chipangano came closest to extending their lead when speed merchant, Shepherd Gahadzikwa’ s diving header missed the upright post by a few inches.
ZPC made numerous counter attacks with Abel Machaka enjoying a field day on the left flank, ably supported by former Chipangano and Dynamos play maker, Carrington Gomba. In one of their raids, Machaka weaved his way past Chipangano’s right flank and his cross was parried out by keeper Madeya.
Bhekani Sibanda scored the equaliser in a goalmouth scramble after the miners failed to clear their lines. The shaky Hwange rear guard was without veteran kingpin, Felix Chidungwe who picked up a red card in the previous match.
Hwange are on 79 points while the electricity generators have 74 and the two teams are separated by 5 points with three games left to end the season. Next Saturday, the log leaders entertain army side Indlovu Iyanyathela at the Colliery stadium.
Both coaches expressed satisfaction with the result.
“The boys played well. It was a tough derby. We are working harder to win games so as to clinch the sole ticket to the premier league,” said Hwange Coach Try Ncube after the match. His counterpart, ZPC gaffer, Njabulo Dube said his lads will continue to play their usual game. “We played well. We are going to play the remain games as usual. We are not under any pressure. If we are to win the league it would be a bonus for our boys.,” said Dube, adding that the match result was fair.
However, there was pandemonium at the main entrance gate to the stadium as the hosts decided to use a single gate for payments. With a few minutes left to kick off, there was a big restless crowd waiting to be let. The fans grew increasingly agitated, forced the gate open and stampeded into the stadium, injuring some fans in the process.
