ZVISHAVANE - Shabanie Mine were left to rue a series of spurned scoring chances after they allowed Black Mambas to score a late equaliser to force a one all draw in a Castle Premiership match at Maglas Stadium yesterday.

The asbestos miners — still smarting from a 1-0 loss to Highlanders in Bulawayo at the weekend — started strongly and could have found the opener in the third minute of the match when Pervington Zimunya was left unmarked inside the box off, but his header off Raymond Sibanda’s cross went straight into the hands of Mambas goalkeeper Tonderayi Mateyaunga.

For all their probing, Shabanie finally came right in the 61st minute when man-of-the-moment Zimunya unleashed a spectacular shot beyond the reach of Mateyaunga.

Shabanie won possession on the left and Philimon Mudenha sent in a cross that Tarisai Rukanda chested on the path of Zimunya. The diminutive forward let rip a cracker beyond the diving Mambas keeper.

However, Shabanie Mine missed several chances to extend their lead.

They were duly punished on 76 minutes when Mambas grabbed the equalising goal.

The police outfit from Harare won a corner kick on the right and Peter Kachiriga swung in a cross, which goalkeeper Victor Twaliki and his defenders failed to clear, allowing Mangani a free header.

This was Mambas’ fourth consecutive draw.

Shabanie Mine coach Luke Masomere was pleased with the point despite being on top for most of the game.
 
“We missed a number of chances and when you do that, the next thing is that you lose, but at least we came out with a point,” said Masomere.

“Also, the game against Highlanders was taxing and a draw today was good for us.” - Sports Writer