Maruwa wants to sneak into title race
Manica Diamonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(0) 1 Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1 JUST call then Drawnamos.
DeMbare coach Tonderai Ndiraya is increasingly getting frustrated by his team’s failure to win games after the Glamour Boys gave away a lead yesterday to settle for a share of the spoils at Vengere.
This was DeMbare’s 15th draw of the season and seventh in succession.
Sean Gona gave them a 55th minute lead but they surrendered the advantage 10 minutes later when Last Jesi scored from a free kick to restore parity.
The draw, however, was the fairest result. There wasn’t much action in the first half as both teams struggled to settle down until the 36th minute when Munyaradzi Mawadza cleared a Rodrick Mufudza shot from the line.
Dynamos took the lead in the 55th minute when diminutive attacking midfielder Gona capitalised on a communication breakdown between defenders Patson Jaure and Carlton Munzabwa to beat an advancing Tafadzwa Dube.
Two minutes later, Selemani Jarrison’s effort from a free-kick was punched out for a corner by goalkeeper Dube.
Manica piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser but missed some fine chances with Stanely Ngala and Mufudza the culprits
The Gem Boys were awarded a free-kick in the 65th minute, just outside the box, and crowd favourite Jesi took responsibility.
He curled his effort over the wall and into the top angle with goalkeeper Simbarashe Chinani rooted to his spot.
The goal sparked violent scenes on the terraces as opposing supporters fought against each other.
Manica Diamonds coach, Johanisi Nhumwa, praised his charges for the point gained.
“We collected a point, which is fine. In the second half we dominated possession but we could not utilise our chances and it’s part of the game.’’
Ndiraya said he was worried by the number of draws.
“We are working very hard to win maximum points but it’s not happening.
“The team has been failing to defend its lead in the past games. Of course, the team has youngsters but we have to collect maximum points for our supporters.
“Dynamos is a big institution which deserves wins,’’ said Ndiraya.
BLACK RHINOS coach, Herbert Maruwa, believes they still have a chance to sneak back into the Castle Lager Premiership football title league race.
They take on TelOne in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Rufaro this afternoon.
Chauya Chipembere last collected maximum points in August when they defeated Triangle 2-1 before managing three draws in a row.
The team will face a rejuvenated TelOne side who have been doing well under coach Rahman Gumbo.
“I think we have everything to play for, we still have ample time to sneak back into the race as we still have seven games to play which translates to 21 points,’’ said Maruwa.
“We need to collect maximum points and it begins with our next fixture against TelOne.
“We know they have been doing well and are a changed side but we also have something to play for and that is to make a statement in the championship race.
“We have played TelOne twice and on both occasions we came out victorious but we cannot take that into consideration as this is a new game altogether.’’