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From Munyaradzi Musiiwa in Gweru
Chapungu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Hwange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

CHAPUNGU were held to a goalless draw by visitors Hwange in a scrappy Castle Lager Premiership soccer encounter at Ascot yesterday.

This was probably the worst Premiership match ever to be played at Ascot with no chances created or goal attempts made in the first half by both teams.

The visitors, Hwange, never had a single shot on target in the entire match while Chapungu only created less than five chances in the second half.

And it was not a big surprise to see fans walking out of the stadium 10 minutes before the final whistle.

Hwange, who are still to register their first win of the season, had a lethargic display and were fortunate to grab a point against Chapungu who played against ZPC Kariba in midweek.

Chapungu gaffer John Nyikadzino was quick to defend his charges’ poor display, attributing it to fatigue due to the midweek game in which they handed Kauya Katuruturu their first defeat of the season.

“Generally, I would say this is a point gained than a point lost. The match was scrappy we did not display our normal type of football probably because of the game that we played against ZPC Kariba during midweek. “We were playing against a team which did not play during midweek hence we could not apply our tactics well. Generally, I am happy because we did not concede a goal and we managed to snatch a point.

“I am also impressed that we have now gone for three games unbeaten and collecting seven points out of a possible nine. I happy for my charges they did not give in to pressure,” Nyikadzino said.

Hwange coach Nation Dube was impressed with his charges’ performance and said they were slowly regaining confidence.

Chipangano are still to register their first win of the season.

“It was a good result for us though we are still hunting for the first win of the season. The boys played well although we wanted a win but generally the point that we bagged today was important for us.

“While I’m not complaining I felt that we could have been given a penalty though the referee said it was simulation towards the end of the game. However, I am not complaining,” he said.

Chapungu made their first attempt at goal in the 70th minute when Rodwell Mhlanga’s shot from inside the box was stopped by Hwange goalkeeper Timothy Sibanda after being set up by Gift Phiri. Chipangano could have grabbed a win at the death of the second half when Evans Rusike was brought down inside the box with only the goalkeeper to beat but was instead booked for simulation by referee Thabani Bamala in the 89th minute.

Teams

Chapungu United: R. Mazingi, C. Kwaramba, H. Mugoniwa, M. Machingambi, B. Zabula, X. Ncube (M. Dikinya 46th minute), G. Phiri, N. Murisa, T. Chitora, R. Mhlanga (L. Makura 75th minute), A Tavarwisa (P. Marufu 75th minute)

Hwange: T. Sibanda, T. Sibelo, G. Ndlovu, D. Boriwondo, C. Banda, A. Chuma, I. Mucheneka, P. Mplele (P. Dube 78th minute), E. Rusike, I. Masame, G. Zulu