N’ombeyawora hold Ali Sundowns

By Lovemore Chazingwa at Gwanzura Stadium

Ali Sundowns (0) 0
N’ombeyawora (0) 0

A nil-all match that partly satisfied both coaches is not a true reflection of exciting action on the field of play here yesterday as home side, Ali Sundowns took on second placed N’ombeyawora.
The match started at a fast pace with N’ombeyawora threatening to breach the host’s goalline as early as the third minute from a well crafted display.
Rasmarley Tamuka Chipango was the one to parade to the stadium how they perfect misses.
Play swung from one end to the other, with both teams let down by poor finishing.
It was a Mabvuku derby fashioned in Gwanzura which had all the ingredients deserving such a tag.
Both teams are domiciled in Mabvuku but, for lack of a league approved venue in that suburb, they settle for foreign turf.
N’ombeyawora, captain, McClive Phiri appeared more determined to score from his marauding moves, causing all sorts of unease to Ali Sundowns goalminder, Sherpard Kayaza. The talented and hardworking skipper
penetrated the Sundowns defence from his rightback position.
Tapi Tapi, as Ali Sundowns are affectionately known, have Kundai Ezra Kwerengwe, Mazemo Norest, Godknows Mangani and Bararira Wonder to blast for missing clear chances that could have given them the much sought after win.
Sundowns twice hit the posts in their vain attempt to, at least be on the score sheet.
In both instances, N’ombeyawora goalkeeper, Panashe Nyabunga had gone fishing.
Tapi Tapi is fast earning the draw specialist tag in the league after four stalemate results so far this term.
N’ombeyawora substituted Chipango who competed with his opposite number to fluff clear chances.
Ryan Tonderai Makuwerere stepped in for blundering the Chipango but, the move by veteran N’ombeyawora gaffer, Nesbert ‘Yabo’ Saruchera brought no change on the score board reading.
It was Kayaza who had a busier day courtesy of relentless attacks by the N’ombeyawora front trio, including captain Phiri.
Kayaza’s best save of the day came after Phiri posted a dangerous volley from the centre line and the goalie had to dig deeper from his bag of acrobatic dives to deny him, with fans up on their feet to celebrate.
Instead, fans converted their celebration to hail that Kayaza well executed air borne reflex.
Sundowns have Sherpard to thank for not conceding yesterday.
In a post-match interview, Sundowns soft-spoken coach, Richard Matimba expressed concern over his charges’ failure to convert supplies upfront.
”I have a fairly young crop of players whom I hauled from last season when we were playing in D2. They’re still to find their feet in the league. I only have about three seasoned players who bring in that experience. During training this week, we will focus more on shooting and utilizing goal scoring opportunity
that we may create. I hope we will get a better result when we visit Karoi United in our next match.”
His opposite number, Yabo relishes the vital point earned.
”We wanted to win but, things didn’t go that way. It’s better to get that point especially, playing away. It’s not that bad.”
Mazemo got the only booking of the match for rough play.
Under the watchful eye of match commissioner Colliard Nemutenzi, centre ref Anthony Chazuka, and the duo of first assistant Zephaniah Huruva as well as his peer, second assistant, Day Munemo had a good day in office.