MANICA DIAMONDS . . . . 0
HERENTALS . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
PRESSURE is mounting on Manica Diamonds coach Jairos Tapera as his side continues to slide following a lukewarm draw in their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against visiting Herentals at Sakubva Stadium yesterday.
Tapera was warned by the club's chiefs that he was living on borrowed time with his team slowly slipping out of the title matrix having been at the top of the tree in the first half of the season.
With three points a must, the stage was set for a thrilling encounter, but the two teams cancelled each other out in a keenly contested match.
The nil-all stalemate, was a testament to the defensive prowess of both teams, but left fans and neutrals alike wondering about the dwindling scoring standards in the topflight.
In the first half, Manica Diamonds could have wrapped up the game, but missed a glut of chances.
In the 21st minute, Manica Diamonds midfielder Nigel Mupanduki's shot at goal was spectacularly saved by Herentals goalie, Takudzwa Chikosi , who was impressive all afternoon.
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Moments later, Anelka Chivandire's shot was cleared from the goal line while Charles Teguru's effort missed the upright with some few inches for the hosts.
In the second half, Herentals dominated the exchanges in the midfield with Grey Kufandada, Blessing Kagudu and Eric Dombo exciting, but, could not break through the Manica Diamonds defense well marshalled by national team player Farai Banda and Kelvin Gwao.
Herentals strikers, Tino Benza and Blessing Majarira showed serious intentions to score, but, saw their efforts saved by Manica Diamonds goalie, Tedious Baye.
Manica Diamonds coach Jairosi Tapera said said he was disappointed by the draw again, as goals continue to elude the team
"This is another draw and of cause we continue drawing matches. Obviously this is not what I expected it is a disappointing draw," he said.
"We should have won the game in the first half, as we dominated play, but our strike force could not score. We played well defensively. In terms of play we are getting there," Tapera said.
Herentals coach, Celestino Benza, said his team played well considering that they were playing away from home.
"I am happy for my boys. They played very well in containing our opponents. Manica Diamonds is one of the best teams in the league and drawing away is a good result,” he said.
“The game was hard. Manica Diamonds was aggressive, but, drawing away from home is something highly commendable and is highly commendable for my boys."
For Manica Diamonds FC fans, they are becoming restless, as goals at the citadel Sakubva Stadium remain elusive.
