Rhinos, Green Fuel in dull draw

Black Rhinos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 Green Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

UNDER-PRESSURE Black Rhinos coach Saul Chamunika was sent off early in the first half as his side failed to capitalise on home advantage in a lifeless Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against Green Fuel at Bata Stadium yesterday.

The soldiers remain stuck in the relegation zone.

Chaminuka seemed to let the pressure get the better of him and was given a red card in the 30th minute for persistently remonstrating with the fourth match official.

Yet Rhinos created a few good chances they could not capitalise on.

Rhinos assistant coach Chris Mwanza was a disappointed man after the team remained in 17th place with 24 points.

“It was a crucial match for us. We really wanted the points; it’s just unfortunate we had to settle for a point, but that’s football, we go back to the drawing board,” Mwanza said.

Green Fuel coach Rodwell Dhlakama was satisfied with a point gained on the road.

“It was a difficult game, especially in the first half, when they created a lot of chances. A point away from home is a plus for us, especially looking at where we are coming from.

“It pushes us closer to our target of 40 points,” he said.

The visitors dominated the early exchanges but could not create any meaningful goal-scoring opportunities.

Instead, Rhinos were the ones who had the first chance of the match after seven minutes when Garikai Dematsika shot wide from close range.

Green Fuel came close to scoring midway through the first half but James Nguluve blazed his effort over.

Centre referee Tichaona Tigere appeared to be having a bad day as he seemingly made some dubious decisions that went against the army side.

Moments after Chaminuka was sent off, Rhinos were denied a penalty after Raymond Uchena hacked down Dematsika inside the box as he was about to pull the trigger.

Rhinos kept pressing and veteran Lot Chiunga forced a fine save from Green Fuel goalkeeper David Bizabani on the stroke of half-time.

Green Fuel mounted a late surge following the introduction of exciting teenager Washington Mapuwa, who brought a creative spark to the match.

The youthful forward was, however, guilty of missing a couple of glorious opportunities late in the match.

Green Fuel are now 10th on the log with 33 points.