By Prince Chese
Dulibadzimu Utd 0 Chapungu 0
VISITING log leaders Chapungu FC and hard-fighting Dulibadzimu United played out a tense nil all draw in a physical and hard fought match dominated by missed chances and strong defending.
It was a game if three thirds, one belonging to Dulis in the first half, another belonging to Chapungu and the third to the referee whose decicions were worrisone to the hosts.
Chapungu started brightly and nearly broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Brighton Magiliza (15) earned a dangerous free kick, but Dulibadzimu stood firm under pressure.
The visitors survived another scare after Courage Vhurombe (44) received a yellow card in the 40th minute for a reckless open foot challenge that handed Chapungu another set piece opportunity.
A similar foul on defender turned midfielder “Fish” of Dulibadzimu did not get the referee’s attention as he walked away after blowing his whistle and made no further action.
He was to make four other similar decisions agains the hosts where players should either seen yellow or give advantage to the hosts who gave Chapungu a run for that single point.
Dulibadzimu United made tactical changes in the 63rd minute as Phumudzo Ncube (10) and Coffee (19) came in for Bismack Muzenda (30) and Simenjani Muleya (31) in search of fresh energy.
Chapungu continued to attack and almost found the winner in the 69th minute when Brian Ndlovu (11) unleashed a powerful long range strike that narrowly missed the target.
Dulibadzimu defender Mangavha Sam (4) then produced a vital block in the 72nd minute to deny Chapungu from close range as the pressure intensified.
Controversy followed in the 78th minute when Chapungu were awarded a corner, leaving Dulibadzimu supporters furious with the decision.
Here the referee pointed towards a goal kick but changed to allow the linesman decision leabing fans unamused.
Matambo Louise (21) remained solid at the back for Dulibadzimu and made a crucial clearance in the 81st minute to keep the scores level.
Tempers flared late in the game after Chapungu’s striker was shown a yellow card in the 83rd minute for unsportsmanlike conduct following a head-butt incident.
Chapungu was given another corner in the 87th minute, but Dulibadzimu defended bravely until the final whistle.
But rhe story would be incomplete without mention of Dulis anchor Oscar Muzezani who was the most travelled and most effective player.
Having a good day in office, Muzezani showed character and maturity playing good old football and winning every tackle – most likely watching too much Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United.
After the match, Chapungu assistant coach Muchangami Moendah praised his side for collecting a point against a strong opponent and said they are now focused on taking maximum points in their next home match against FC U19.
Dulibadzimu United manager Ferdinand Mashefu refused to comment on the post match interview and also denied players and technical staff to attend post match interviews because of what he says, this publication having reported an issue involving the club’s supporters comments after their loss to West Nicholson.