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From Ricky Zililo in Bulawayo
Tsholotsho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Buffaloes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

BUFFALOES goalkeeper Blessing Mwandimutsira made three stunning saves in the dying stages of the game to deny Tsholotsho maximum points in this Premiership soccer match at Luveve yesterday.

Kudzanai Machazane left his marker — Farai Banda — for dead to come face-to-face with Mwandimutsira but the visitors’ goalie blocked the striker’s shot and rose up to punch to safety a Qhaphelani Ndebele’s effort from the rebound.

A minute before full-time, Mwandimutsira used his feet to block a McClive Phiri and keep his team in the game.

After seeing his charges, who had better scoring opportunities than the visitors settle for a draw, Tsholotsho coach Lizwe Sweswe was content with his team’s performance.

“I think a point gained is better than nothing and I must say I’m happy with how the boys played. Hopefully we will get it right next time,” said Sweswe.

Tsholotsho started the game slowly with Buffaloes enjoying possession in the opening 10 minutes.

In the 12th minute, Phiri embarked on a solo run, coming from his right-back position through the midfield and let loose a stinger which an alert Mwandimutsira easily saved.

On the half-hour mark, Tsholotsho got their best chance of the first half when Ocient Ncube sent a cross from the left but Blessing Ncube’s weak header was collected by Mwandimutsira.

Buffaloes’ best chance of the day fell to an unmarked veteran Kastigu Jiwakinyu in the 37th who failed to keep his header on target.

The Zhwane Boys, who beat Whawha 2-0 in Gweru in their last league match, came from the breather a more determined side, firing from all angles.

National Under-23 holding midfielder Gerald Takwara seemed to struggle with his game for Tsholotsho, leaving Butholezwe Ncube to work overtime.

Machazane’s striking partner Lynnoth Chikuhwa was kept under lock and key by the experienced Philip Chandisaita.

The visitors’ outstanding players were Kudzanai Mangondo and Roy Mwenga.

Buffaloes had a penalty appeal turned down three minutes into stoppage-time after Tsholotsho’s defender Spar Dube appeared to have handled in the box as he slid to block a Lloyd Katongomara’s intended shot on target.

An obstructed referee Nkosana Nduna ignored Buffaloes’ calls for a penalty.

“This is a valuable point which we got today. With a bit of luck we were going to win this game. However, I think the referee — Nduna — frustrated my boys with his officiating,” said Buffaloes’ coach Joseph Takaringofa.

Teams

Tsholotsho: Chang Mariyoni, McClive Phiri, William Stima, Donald Dzvinyai, Spar Dube, Gerald Takawira, Butholezwe Ncube, Blessing Ncube (Simbarashe Gorogodyo, 62nd minute), Ocient Ncube (Qhaphelani Ndebele, 74th minute), Kudzanai Machazane, Lynnoth Chikuhwa (Nixon Gama, 78th minute)

Buffaloes: Blessing Mwandimutsira, Kudzai Mwaramba, Farai banda, Joseph Banda, Philip Chandisaita, Liberty Chakoroma, Roy Mwenga, Kudzanai Mangondo, Sheppard Nkata, Kastigu Jiwakinyu (Jeffrey Takunda, 73rd minute)