FBC Moola….. (1) 1
StanChart….. (0) 1
Standard Chartered Bank (StanChart) held FBC Moola to a 1-all draw in a Financial Services Soccer League (FSSL) match that promised much but delivered little. The Match Day 4 encounter was played at FBC OH Club on Saturday, 28th April 2018. FBC settled down first and were the more dominant side in the early exchanges, which saw Andrew Chiguvare (7) drawing first blood in the 10th minute when he connected a cross from the right by enterprising Nyasha Sanhewe (12). Standard Chartered immediately sought to restore parity and Nyasha “Nyale” Dambudzo’s point blank shot was parried away for a corner by FBC keeper Setfree “Gumbura” Kachali. For the better part of the first half, FBC was all over StanChart and created several scoring chances in the process, which Paul “Pablo” Muteerwa (11), Leynton “Tronix” Tambwera (4) and Terence “Djemba” Malunga (10) were unable to convert mainly because of the heroics of Dida in goal for the visitors.
Nyale caused some anxious moments for FBC on the left flank and was singled out for some tough treatment by Abiot Murenzvi who ended up being booked for foul play. The resultant free kick was headed wide.
After the half-time break StanChart, who employed the 4-4-2 formation were more purposeful in attack but just could not find the back of the net. They however came close when a free kick by Nyale from the left rattled the upright post with the goalkeeper beaten. FBC were now playing with decidedly less hunger and in a bid to contain Stanchart’s resurgent play, resorted to a more physical defensive game which saw them conceding several fouls. StanChart however started to fizzle out and allowed FBC Moola to dictate the pace of the game once again. The visiting team made a number of defensive errors on the right side of defence and could have been punished severely were it not for the wastefulness of FBC in front of goal. In one such miss, Sanhewe, who was hasty in front of goal, failed to compose himself and score with only Dida to beat. He was clearly out of sorts on the day and his major contribution remained the assist on Chiguvare’s opening goal. FBC Moola, who were playing in a new Kappa uniform, looked set for another win until they conceded a free kick with a minute of regulation time left. Up stepped Mubaiwa Mubayiwa (10) whose thunderous drive was headed in by Kenamu Lazarus (4) to rescue a point, much to the relief of the StanChart faithful.
Playing with a bandaged head after an injury in the opening stages of the game, Blessing “Gaza” Machingura (6) was outstanding in the heart of StanChart’s defence, especially in the first half when the visitors were on the back foot. Left winger Nyale also had a good game. Terence “Djemba” Malunga, making a comeback after missing FBC Moola’s crunch match against Old Mutual, was outstanding in a defensive midfield position.
FBC Moola gaffer Simon Mupambawatyi was disappointed with the manner in which his charges surrendered their lead at the last minute, literally. “To us, it feels like a defeat,” he mourned. For his opposite number, player-coach Olleny Muringani, it was a point gained.
Class 1 referee Mike Mugabe handled the match, assisted by Shelton Mushanguri. The league should consider having three referees in a bid to improve the level of officiating as two referees are bound to make mistakes, especially in high-intensity games. Given the delays that come with the current player inspection process, the FSSL leadership should consider introducing a player licensing system in order to manage time more effectively. The efficacy of the current process was tested at the start of the first second half and it was found wanting when this was delayed by some minutes as players and officials haggled over a substitution.
A number of Match Day 4 encounters were postponed in an effort to support bankers labour union team (ZIBAWU FC), which was competing against other ZCTU affiliates in this year’s Workers Day Celebrations.
Meanwhile, in other matches played during the weekend, home team Payserv lost 4-5 to Agribank and in the Week 8 fixture between Old Mutual and CABS which was brought forward, the latter won the game 2-1.
Starting Line-ups.
FBC Moola: Setfree “Gumbura” Kachali, Tatenda “TBag” Nembaware, Paul “Pablo” Muteerwa, Kudzai “K-Man” Kwangwari, James “Baluba” Mugoneka, Leynton “Tronix” Tambwera, Nyasha Sanhewe, Innocent “Mulla” Mawoko, Terrence “Djemba” Malunga, Andrew “Bozini” Chiguvare, Abiot Murenzvi.
StanChart: Dida, Bruce, Persuade Moyo, Blessing “Gaza” Machingura, Munya, Wisdom Mukaro, Kenamu Lazarus, Gody Chamunorwa, Mubaiwa, Nyasha Dambudzo, Tich. – ©MFSB Sport. Write to us on [email protected] to give us feedback on this article or suggest corrections.