Rhinos’ march to safety continues

Black Rhinos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)1 Chicken Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)1

BLACK RHINOS came from behind to earn a deserved point against Chicken Inn in a pulsating Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Bata Stadium yesterday.

Kudakwashe Nyakudanga’s impressive volley in the 72nd minute cancelled out Malvern Hwata’s opener for the Gamecocks.

Chauya Chipembere moved to within three points of safety as they are now on 28 points.

Black Rhinos coach Saul Chaminuka feels survival is now a reality.

“The boys are playing well and we will survive,” he said.

“We can win the remaining five matches and we have the team to do it. I have looked at the other teams in the league and none of them are playing like we are in terms of performance . . . all the boys need now is self-belief.”

Rhinos made a bright start to the match but only lacked precision in front of goal.

Veteran striker Lot Chiunga came close to giving Chauya Chipembere the lead 15 minutes into the match but shot wide.

In the 25th minute, Valentine Katsande won possession inside the Gamecocks’ penalty area, after which the forward hesitated to shoot and allowed the visitors to clear.

A minute later, Chicken Inn punished the army side with a well-orchestrated counterattack.

Michael Charamba sent in an inviting cross that was turned in by Hwata, who then poked the ball past Rhinos goalkeeper Lennon Gonese.

The goal appeared to have given impetus to Chicken Inn, who created numerous chances thereafter.

The army side introduced ageless midfielder Allen Gahadzikwa for Brian Mukucha after the break and the move paid dividends.

They would then get the equaliser in the 72nd minute, when Nyakudanga struck a beautiful volley from the edge of the box.

Chicken Inn coach Prince Matore bemoaned chances missed by his charges, especially in the first half.

“We take the point away from home, but I thought we could have easily won this match if we had put away our chances,” he said.