MANICA DIAMONDS ........... 0

NGEZI PLATINUM............... 0

A HIGHLY anticipated showdown between Castle Lager Premier Soccer League top teams, Manica Diamonds and Ngezi Platinum, ended in a drab nil-all draw at Sakubva stadium on Sunday.

The two giants cancelled each other out in a keenly contested tie, which was well handled by centre referee Jimmy Makwanda.

The goalless stalemate was a testament to the defensive prowess of both teams but left fans less pleased. 

In the 37th minute, Ngezi Platinum midfielder Tinotenda Meke's free kick missed the upright with some few inches, in one of their best chances.

Manica Diamonds new signing, Anelka Chivandire, could have scored in the 42nd minute but failed to beat Ngezi Platinum goalie, Nelson Chadya.

In the second half, Ngezi Platinum dominated the exchanges in the midfield with Meke and Nigel Makumbe exciting, but could not break through the Manica Diamonds defense well-marshalled by Farai Banda and Tawanda Chisi.

"This is another draw and of course we keep on drawing matches. Obviously this is not what l was expecting. However, that can happen in football. When we play a match you either  win, draw and lose," Manica Diamonds coach Jairosi Tapera said in a post-match interview. 

Tapera admitted that they had suffered against an equally good side.

"The match was very tough. We managed to defend well and we created some chances for us to score but we failed to utilize the chances. We are now going to the drawing board to try to work things for the better," he said.

Ngezi Platinum coach Takesure Chiragwi noted that his team played very well but failed to convert chances.

"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," said Chiragwi.

"We held them in the first 20 minutes of the game and my formula and formation worked well up to the second half where we controlled possession of the ball. We could have scored two goals (but) their defense was very solid. I hope that in our next matches we will begin scoring goals."