Bikita Minerals . . . . . . . (0) 1
Yadah . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
Premier League debutants Bikita Minerals were minutes away from winning their first ever league match before conceding a 90th minute equalizer against Yadah at Sakubva Stadium, yesterday.
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The Bikita-based side, who won a protracted boardroom battle to play in the top flight, appeared to be coasting to a historic win after veteran striker Evans Katema tapped home a rebound midway through the first half but substitute Ryan Ncube bundled home from a corner kick right at the death to silence the home crowd.
The home team played in an unbranded training gear after their playing kit arrived late,forcing a 22-minute delay to the start of the match.
But, the mishap did not appear to disturb Bikita Minerals when the match eventually kicked off as the home side immediately took the game to their more fancied opponents who had their marquee signing Khama Billiat on the starting eleven.
Russell Madamombe had the biggest chance of the first half for the new side but fired his shot wide.
Billiat had a quiet game by his high standards but still managed to conjure some good moments for his team.
His cutback after a bursting run into the box at the end of the first half found no takers.
The first half pattern of play continued at the start of the second half as Bikita Minerals remained in control of the match, with Allan Gahadzikwa virtually unplayable in the middle of the park.
They took a deserved lead when Yadah goalkeeper Marshall Takarinda blocked a Madamombe shot on to the path of Katema who finished expertly.
The goal appeared to jolt Yadah as they eased their way back into the match.
They created a number of chances especially from setpieces, which they failed to utilise.
With the clock ticking away and the fourth official indicating five minutes of optional time, Yadah won a corner kick which was flighted into the crowded box for substitute Ncube to nod home.
Khama could have won the match deep into injury time when he was put through on goal, but his angled shot flew just over.