Dembare stutter in Kariba

ZPC Kariba  0 - 0 Dynamos
IT was a case of  "As you were'' as both visitors Dynamos and their hosts ZPC Kariba did little to enhance their contrasting Castle Lager Premier Soccer League causes.

Dynamos arrived for this lunch-time kick-off at Nyamhunga needing an outright win to close the gap on leaders FC Platinum, who enjoyed a six-point cushion going into the weekend fixture.

ZPC Kariba, on their part, are fighting tooth and nail to avoid relegation zone and had their own ambitions for a victory.

The match showed glimpses of technical brilliance from both sides, but it was in the final third that either side was found wanting.

Although both ZPC Kariba coach Rodwell Dhlakama and his Dynamos counterpart Tonderai Ndiraya were satisfied with the way their charges played, they rued missed chances and the dropped points.

Ndiraya noted that Nyamhunga had always been a difficult venue from which to grind results.

"I am satisfied with the way the boys played under very difficult conditions.

"The effects of the high temperatures and altitude were evident.

"It's unusual to play a match at 1pm but I am happy with the shift my charges put in.

"It is very difficult to win here. So far only one team has won here, WhaWha,'' said Ndiraya.

Despite dropping two key points, Ndiraya said there was still a lot to play for, adding that the point they gained on the road, especially in Kariba, could prove decisive later in the campaign.

ZPC Kariba have been having some early kick-offs to allow visiting teams enough time to travel back to their bases.

Their coach Dhlakama was satisfied with the way his team played, saying that his charges would give it everything to avoid relegation.

"It was a difficult game from my perspective as a coach but we had a decent first and second half.

"However, we failed to utilise the chances that came our way. We dominated play but it came to nothing.

"We lost two crucial points than a point gained at this stage of the campaign," said Dhlakama.

The respected gaffer said his team would keep pushing for positive results in their quest to stay afloat in the Premiership.

Dhlakama believes there is still so much to play for and his charges will get it right after showing periods of dominance.

He impressed upon his charges to fight to the bitter end in order to steer clear from the drop zone.

Despite the heat, the match started off on a blistering pace, with ZPC testing the DeMbare goal and the visitors launching several counter forays into the home team's penalty area.

There were moments of graceful exchanges, with DeMbare's Bill Antonio giving ZPC a torrid time on the right flank.

For ZPC Kariba, Tinotenda Chiunye was controlling the midfield, but he was later neutralised with the introduction of Evans Katema and Emmanuel Paga in the second half.

Both coaches made several changes as they sought the elusive goal.

The substitutions showed a clear reading of the game from both coaches as every move helped to neutralise the opponent.