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Takudzwa Chitsiga Harare Bureau
CAPS United 0-0 FC Platinum
CAPS United are virtually out of the running for the Castle Lager Premiership soccer title after they dropped their fifth point in their last two games, following a goalless draw against FC Platinum at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.

The Green Machine have not scored in three ties against FC Platinum since Norman Mapeza took over as coach, and have conceded seven goals in those three games.

Caps, who are still in third place needed to collect maximum points in this match to remain in the race for their first league title in nine years.

But they have now dropped seven points behind leaders Dynamos with only nine points still to play for, and although they still have a mathematical chance of winning the championship they know it is over.

The game started on a high note with the visitors dominating the exchanges and their first chance came in the 17th minute when they won a free-kick but Caps goalminder Tafadzwa Dube was on guard.

The Green Machine had to wait until the 24th minute to create a real scoring chance when Ronald Pfumbidzai, back in the team after a weekend in which social media had suggested that his relationship with Caps United was over sent in an inviting cross that could not find any takers.

Pfumbidzai was blamed by the social media editors as the fall guy of the Green Machine rebellion ahead of their trip to Triangle, when the Young Warriors’ skipper was in fact ill and unavailable for the tie.

Three minutes later Pfumbidzai hit the upright after a sweeping counter-attack involving Hardlife Zvirekwi.

The game went to sleep for a while and the 34th minute saw Caps United’s striker Ishmael Thindwa being substituted after sustaining an injury following a challenge by Gift Bello and he was replaced by Dominic Chungwa.

Chungwa had his fair share of missed chances as Caps dominated play after the half hour mark as his efforts in the 38th and 40th minutes missed the target by a few inches.

FC Platinum were a rejuvenated side after the breather and they felt robbed when George Nyirenda fouled Obrey Chirwa just outside the box and the Malawian received a yellow card instead of a red one.

Caps United later came out of their shell and appealed for a penalty in the final minute after Raphael Maduviwa handled Pfumbidzai’s effort but referee Batsirai Muchenje waved play on.

After dropping two precious points yesterday Mangwiro refused to throw in the towel in the championship race.

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza on the other hand, said the single point will make a difference in their quest for a top four finish.