Battle of Cities ends in stalemate

Bulawayo City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(1) 1 Harare City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1 BULAWAYO City and Harare City shared the spoils in an exciting Castle Lager Premier League match played at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.

The match started at a cracking pace with both teams intending to unsettle each other in the early stages of the game however it was the home said which looked more potent.

Amakhosi, as Bulawayo City are affectionately known, were rewarded in the 14th minute for their industriousness when former How Mine speedy winger Timothy January found himself clear on the left and let loose a blistering shot, which was parried back into play by the big Harare City goalkeeper, Ryan Harrison only for young Ayanda Ncube to react faster than the visitors’ rearguard to tap in the rebound.

The home side continued to torment the Sunshine City Boys with January being the chief architecture of the raids.

The speedy forward wasted a glorious chance in the 34th minute when his goal bound shot was saved by an alert Harrison after he attempted to score with a spectacular half volley instead of keeping his calm to rattle in a perfect cross from the right by Innocent Kutsanzira.

There was little Amakhosi goalkeeper, Kelven Nyoni could do but to assist substitute Kudakwashe “Mashefu” Musharu’s glancing header from an immaculate cross from Tumba in the 63rd minute for the Sunshine Boys’ equaliser.

It was Musharu’s first touch in two minutes after coming in for Wilfred Muvirimi.

Thereafter the home side tried to step up their game but it was a bit too late as they had to be content with a point.

@DNsingo