HOW MINE……………………….(2) 2 BULAWAYO CITY…………………(1)2
THE opening game of the 2016 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season served up four goals as new boys Bulawayo City recovered from two goals down to earn a point against a 10-man How Mine at White City Stadium yesterday.
BY FORTUNE MBELE
How Mine, under new coach Kelvin Kaindu, raced to a 34th minute lead through Pascal Manhanga and doubled their advantage three minutes later when Charles Sibanda finished off a well-worked move for his side.
However, Bulawayo City rallied back with a converted penalty by skipper Xolisani Moyo in first half stoppage time, after How Mine defender Victor Kamhuka was adjudged to have fouled Mkhululi Moyo inside the penalty box.
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The big central defender was shown a red-card for his troubles.
Substitute Humphrey Ncube then equalised for Bulawayo City in the 51st minute from a Lewis Ncube cross and despite the two teams creating chances later in the match, the contest ended in a stalemate.
How Mine coach Kelvin Kaindu was not happy with referee Philani Ncube’s decision to award City a penalty.
“We were leading comfortably and I think that it was harsh for us to get penalised. From where we were standing, it looked like it was a 50-50 situation. We are, however, not disappointed to come out with a draw although would have wanted to come out with maximum points,” Kaindu said.
In contrast, his counterpart Philani “Beefy” Ncube welcomed the point.
“We are a new team. We did not know what to expect, hence we conceded two soft goals. But I then told the boys in the dressing room that what we needed was character. But in terms of possession, How Mine were above us. This is a starting point, we will try to improve in the next game,” Beefy said.
How Mine’s first goal was from a short corner with Adolf Muganyi spotting an unmarked Manhanga, who beat goalkeeper Ndodanda Sibanda with a shot from outside the penalty box.
A build-up by Manhanga and Kuda Musharu then ended on Sibanda’s path whose grounder hit the back of the net.