Tsholotsho, Flame Lily match ends in stalemate Tsholotsho FC’s Thandolwenkosi Ncube (left) fights for possession with Flame Lily’s Webster Muronda at White City Stadium recently
Tsholotsho FC’s Thandolwenkosi Ncube (left) fights for possession with Flame Lily’s Webster Muronda at White City Stadium yesterday

Tsholotsho FC’s Thandolwenkosi Ncube (left) fights for possession with Flame Lily’s Webster Muronda at White City Stadium yesterday

Lovemore Dube Sports Correspondent
Tsholotsho FC 1-1 Flame Lily
A share of the spoils was perhaps the fairest result for the Premiership debutants as alarm bells rang louder at White City Stadium yesterday.

Only an improved second half of the league can save both teams from relegation. Yesterday they produced a good display of passing football, punctuated by switching play to the flanks as they tried to play football the traditional way of wings and crosses into the box.

The two teams, however, lacked decisiveness in the final third of the pitch resulting in both goalkeepers experiencing little action.

Virimai Mukudo put the visitors ahead in the 55th minute before super substitute Lynnoth Chikuhwa equalised two minutes later from a goalmouth melee.

The teams matched each other pound for pound and were let down by impotent strikers who lacked the tact and zeal to finish off the few created opportunities.

It was a good game that was well handled by Mlindeli Ndebele, Brighton Nyika, Peter Simtende and Hardly Ndazi, the fourth official.

With so much play concentrated in midfield where there were some exciting duels, it took 14 minutes for either side’s goalkeeper to be tested.

Kudzanai Machazane had his shot from outside the box saved on a second attempt by Flame Lily goalkeeper Prosper Chigumba. Machazane had been fed by Kriess Chitiyo from deep in midfield.

Chitiyo had his tame effort at goal easily dealt with by the goalie on 29 minutes.

Motion Muponda, who had a good first half for the visitors, created Flame Lily’s best scoring chance in the 35th minute. After getting the better of Nkosilathi Moyo, Muponda sent a great pass onto the path of Macmillan Chigora, who did not put enough power in his effort from inside the box, allowing keeper Mariyoni Chang a clean catch. Chigora was to blow another chance in the 41st minute, shooting straight at Chang.

Tsholotsho were punished for poor defending in the 55th minute. Thandolwenkosi Ncube miscued a clearance allowing his marker to feed Mukudo, who made no mistake beating Chang, who had moved off his line to try and narrow the angle.

Tsholotsho did not throw in the towel. They surged forward in search of an equaliser with their burly midfield magician Gerald Takwara at the heart of most of their moves assisted by Butholezwe Ncube. They were rewarded two minutes later when Chikuhwa buried a chance that came his way in a goalmouth scramble.

Bright Chayambuka of Flame Lily failed to direct his header on target from a corner kick, blowing a brilliant chance to make it 2-1. Chang was to produce his best save of the day, diving to snatch the ball before Webster Muronda’s boot could go for the kill in the 73rd minute.

Chigumba was his side’s hero as he went airborne to tip out a ferocious freekick by Tsholotsho substitute Simba Gorogodyo for a corner.

Tsholotsho coach Lizwe Sweswe bemoaned the soft goals his team continues to give away.

“That was a soft goal. It’s a worrying factor that we continue to concede such goals. We’re working on that and we hope to rectify some of the problems in the second half as we’ve identified some players we hope will be worthwhile additions. I’m happy overally that the boys showed character to equalise immediately,” said Sweswe.

His Flame Lily counterpart, Bee Chivenga was happy with the point gained on the road. He said his boys had put what they had done at training into practice.

“We played well. The boys did well to put into practice what we’ve been working on. I see them improving with more games,” said Chivenga.

Tendai Huwa and veteran Brighton Chandisaita, arguably one of the longest serving players in the Premiership, were rock-solid in the heart of defence. They did not allow Tsholotsho’s hard running forwards Machazane and Blessing Ncube any space.

Flame Lily remain stuck on 15th position, tied with 14th placed Tsholotsho on 11 points.

Teams: Tsholotsho: M Chang, M Phiri, N Moyo, T Ncube, W Stima, G Takwara, B Ncube, K Chitiyo, B Ncube (L Chikuhwa 53rd minute), O Ncube (S Gorogodyo 65th minute), K Machazane.

Flame Lily: P Chigumba, G Phiri, B Chayambuka, E Kopeni, B Chandisaita, T Huwa, M Demera (B Musaka 68th minute), M Muponda, V Mukudo, M Chigora (P Chinyama 58th minute), W Muronda (P Ngwenya 80th minute).

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