Battle of strugglers ends in drab draw

Sport
TelOne tried to inject some energy into their play after the break, through Hugh Chikosa, but his efforts were not well complemented.

TELONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0

HWANGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

RELEGATION candidates TelOne and Hwange put up probably their worst performance this season in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match that ended in a drab draw at Bata Stadium in Gweru yesterday.

There was nothing to write home about in both halves. Both teams lacked creativity in all respects, with no shot on target until the half-time break.

TelOne tried to inject some energy into their play after the break, through Hugh Chikosa, but his efforts were not well complemented.

They had one notable change on the 75th minute when Trust Nyabinde broke loose on the wing to whip in a low cross which Fradrick Muza failed to connect.

TelOne were denied what looked like genuine penalty when Lukas Sibanda handled the ball under pressure as The WiFI Boys were prodding for a goal. However, referee Patrick Kalota instead awarded them a corner-kick.

With the result, TelOne remain on 15th position with 21 points while Hwange remained rooted at the bottom of the log.

TelOne coach Herbert Maruwa was livid, as they are yet to record a win since beating Manica Diamonds 3-1 on March 16.

“We did everything, we tried our best, but sometimes our decision making from the guys were not up to standard. We have to wait for the next match maybe to get maximum points.

“You see our seniors players making some silly decisions. Time will be ticking away and probably we need a long ball, but you see the players building up from the back. Those decisions are costing us," Maruwa said.

His counterpart Rodwell Dhlakama said: "It was a difficult game for us on the road. We really needed maximum points, but that could not be. We give praise to the boya for the resilience, because it was difficult especially in the second half.

"The opponents took the game hard to us, but we managed to repel all their attacks. We are happy with the points, but we need more because are sitting at the bottom. With this kind of performances, one day we can have confidence of a better future."

Teams

TELONE XI: Criss Mverechen, Eriya MafirenyikA, Admire Dzumbunu, Trust Nyabinde, Xolisani Moyo, Allan Chapinduka, Tafadzwa Jaravani( Hugh Chikosa 46'), Leo Hofisi(Frackson Bushiri 70'), Tafadzwa Sibanda(Fradrick Muza 46'), Washington Navaya, Blessing Sahondo(Llyod Gwerina 70')

HWANGE: Takabva Mawaya, Gift Mbwetix Raylton Maphosa(Dominic Chungwa 57'), Kelly Shiyandindi, Lukas Sibanda, Winston Mhango, Solomon Sithole(Bhekani Sibanda 66'), Claivert Tshuma( Prosper Mathe 66'), Shepherd Gadzikwa, Remmington Masuku(Wellington Muuya 75'), Pritchard Mpelele (Mongameli Tshuma  75')

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