By McGeorge Mbare
Vhembe Stars Academy (0) 1 ZRP Gwanda (1) 1
VHEMBE Stars Academy were held to a one all draw by ZRP Gwanda on Match Day 20 of the Central Region Soccer League Division One on Thursday at Dulivhadzimu Stadium.
The visiting policemen failed to guard their early goal and were forced to a draw by a Morris Musamba strike which could have won any match.
The Beitbridge outfit went into the match hoping for positive results to try to escape the relegation zone.
The match started as intensely as expected, with both sides eager to break the deadlock early.
In the first minute, Davies Nyamukondiwa attempted to find the opener with a diving header, but missed the mark sailing over the crossbar.
Three minutes later, ZRP Gwanda responded with a beautiful attack by Sandile Moyo but his finishing let him down.
The visiting ZRP Gwanda’s breakthrough came in the 4th minute when Tawanda Munzira scored a beautiful goal, assisted perfectly by captain Decent Dube.
The match continued to intensify, but Vhembe Stars Academy’s morale dipped after conceding so early.
The policemen dominated the entire first half in terms of ball possession, attacking and defending.
The teams went into halftime with ZRP Gwanda leading 1-0.
In the second half, Vhembe Stars Academy made some changes, Davies Nyamukondiwa came off for Peace Makuvaza to add numbers and pace upfront, while ZRP Gwanda replaced captain Decent Dube with Gama Trust to bolster their defense.
At exactly the 80th minute, Moris Musamba scored a magnificent goal that left ZRP Gwanda goalkeeper Gondwe Nyasha standing still, thanks to a wonderful assist from Benedict Sithole.
Five minutes after their equalizer, Thabo Mpande attempted a diving header to give Vhembe the lead, but it went over the crossbar, leaving fans holding their breath.
The 1-1 draw against ZRP Gwanda serves as a welcome result for their new coach, Stanley Ncube, who is on a relegation rescue mission for the Beitbridge outfit.
Vhembe Stars Academy now sits on 20 points after 25 matches but continues to chase safety from relegation despite earning a point.
Speaking after the match, Vhembe Stars Academy Team Manager Kelvin Mahoro hailed his boys for their improved fighting spirit to the end.
“ The boys have indeed improved, you could see the positive energy and fighting spirit after conceding that ealry goal,” Mahoro said.
Vhembe Stars Academy will now prepare to face Shurugwi at Makusha stadium on match day 26.