SHEASHAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)1
TRIANGLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0)1
SHEASHAM needed a late Roy Useni strike to salvage a point at home in what turned out to be a low-key Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter at Bata Stadium in Gweru yesterday.
And again, referee of the day Busani Siwawa was mobbed by Triangle players and officials who felt Sheasham's equaliser should not have stood.
The relegation dogfight continues to thicken with seven matches remaining before the curtain goes down and it remains scary for both teams.
Sheasham remained on 14th position with 31 points on their tally, while Triangle moved one step up to 15th position.
The home side coach Lizwe Sweswe lamented his team's poor conversion rate and lack of confidence.
“We still have that problem of not converting the chances that we create. We could have scored more goals but we failed to convert our chances.
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“Maybe it’s because of lack of confidence and compusure in front of goal. That point will take us somewhere especially as we are coming from a defeat.
“Everyone is fighting for survival, so we have to pick as many points as we can. From position six, no-one is safe. We need to pick points that will make us survive,” he observed.
His counterpart Thulani Sibanda was pleased as his men picked four points in their last two matches played away from home.
“The team is now playing well. I think we can survive. From here, we need nine points to be sure. Of course, today was tricky but I can’t go on to say anything about the refereeing. Overall, my guys played well and I'm pleased. Focus is now on the next match,” he said.
Triangle were hamstrung in the first six minutes when they were forced to withdraw goalminder Talbert Shumba due to injury.
There was nothing much to write home about in the first half, except for a chance that was presented to Sheasham striker Kuda Musharu on the 34th minute, but the 36-year-old shot into Matripples Muleya’s hands.
Both teams remained cagey until the half-time break, although Sheasham were in control in terms of possession.
The second half started on a lively note, with Sheasham making some promising forays spurred by Hilary Bakacheza and Liberty Masveure.
Things, however, took a sudden twist when Triangle surged ahead via a beautiful strike from Blessing Kagudu.
Kagudu beat defender Roy Useni on the counter before delivering a beautifully lofted effort that found Elton Sibanda off his lines.
Sheasham’s Leonard Jani was unfortunate to be denied by the woodwork on the 87th minute.
But Roy Useni restored parity in the referees’ optional time which Triangle players protested against but in vain.
Teams
Sheasham: E Sibanda, C Kwaramba, P Madhazi(S Mhare 72'), K Musharu(D Masukuta 60'), L Masveure, W Stima, D Mangesi(L Jani 81'), E Useni, H Bakacheza, T Jubane, P Shoko
Triangle: T Shumba, B Kagudu, C Musimwa(W Makuva 63'), R Kwaramba, E Mafirenyika, E Karembo, L Ndlela(T Kabanda 82'), J Mukombwe, R Madamombe, W Mensa, N Rauzhi
