HARARE - CAPS United missed a glorious chance to shoot to the top of the Castle Lager Premiership log after they were held to a goalless draw by visiting Triangle here yesterday.
A win for Lloyd Chitembwe’s side, who were missing the services of Hardlife Zvirekwi and Ronald Pfumbidzai who are away with the national team in Namibia for the Cosafa Castle Cup, would have seen them leap-frog FC Platinum on goal difference.
The Green Machine are now in second place with 18 points while ZPC Kariba are in third behind only on goal difference. Both sides now trail Platinum by two points.
Makepekepe had plenty of chances to break the deadlock but couldn’t make the most of their advantage.
Chitembwe was, however, pleased with the point picked.
“The performance was decent. We got the 0-0 draw and as I had predicted — it was always going to be a very difficult match of football. Technically and tactically it was never easy,” Chitembwe said after the game.
“Both teams didn’t give away space but at least we are content with the result we got. One thing in football is that you can’t win all games. I personally feel we gave everything.
“We will still drop points but I think what’s important at this stage is to make sure that we are within reach of the leading pack. I think that’s very critical for us.”
Triangle coach David Mandigora, who has been credited for transforming the Lowveld side since joining them this year, felt a draw was a fair result.
“I think a draw is a fair result. For us it is a good point away from home,” Mandigora said.
“Our guys played well in the first 10-15 minutes then we were under pressure. But in the second half we tried to create more chances, we didn’t create many... but for us, a point away from home is not a bad result.”
Triangle started the match strongly, causing some anxious moments for the home team. They, however, failed to create meaningful chances.
Instead it was CAPS United who looked more dangerous with Dominic Chungwa, Leonard Tsipa and Abbas Amidu keeping the Triangle backline on their toes.
Tsipa and Joel Ngodzo wasted good scoring opportunities.
Guthrie Zhokinyu came close for Triangle moments before the break but he miscued his effort from a Lameck Nhamo free-kick on the left side.
The second half saw Makepekepe show the same intent, imposing themselves both in midfield and attack but decision-making in the final third proved to be their biggest let down.
Substitute Chrispen Machisi hit the woodwork for the home side in the closing stages of the game.
In the end, the two teams had to settle for a point apiece.
Teams:
CAPS United: Jorum Muchambo, Valentine Musarurwa, Justice Jangano, Dennis Dauda, Stephen Makatuka, Kudzai Nyamupfukudza, Joel Ngodzo, Abbas Amidu, Dominic Chungwa, Leonard Tsipa, Phinius Bhamusi
Triangle: Ronald Mudimu, Ralph Kawondera, Nelson Meson, Kudzai Chigwida, Guthrie Zhokinyu, Tendai Huwa, Hardlife Muvundi, Malvern Gaki, Courage Dennias, Nelson Maziwisa, Lameck Nhamo.