Yadah FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(1)1
Manica Diamonds . . . . . . . . . . .(1)1
Relegation-threatened Yadah FC dealt Manica Diamonds' title aspirations a major blow after forcing a share of the spoils in an entertaining Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Baobab yesterday.
The Gem Boys took the lead courtesy of a Panashe Mutasa goal who took advantage of commotion in the box after a corner kick halfway through the first half.
Blessed Ndereki restored parity for the home side barely 10 minutes later, sweeping home a rebound after the visitors goalkeeper Tedious Baye had parried a King Nadolo shot onto his path.
While an outright win would have been ideal, a point was huge in the context of Yadah’s survival quest as it lifted them to 15 place on the log standings after leapfrogging Triangle FC.
The Miracle Boys have 31 points from 28 matches, the same as Sheasham.
Yadah have six matches to pull off yet another relegation escape but have a difficult encounter against log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars at the same venue on Sunday.
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On the other hand, a win could have seen Manica Diamonds coached by Jairos Tapera climb the ladder to fourth place, level on points with Dynamos and FC Platinum who have 46 at this stage.
They would also have kept their chances of winning the league title alive.
However, a drop of two points saw them remain in fifth place with 44 points from 27 matches, a massive 10 points behind pacesetters Ngezi Platinum Stars, although they have a game in hand.
Manica Diamonds host Hwange FC in their next match at Gibbo Stadium also on Sunday.
The Mutare-based side had several opportunities to win the match but were denied by the brilliance of Yadah FC goalkeeper Tinotenda Takarinda, who kept his side in the game. Yadah FC created their own fair share of chances in a match that provided end-to-end action, with Marvelous Faranando, Jerry Chipangura and Charles Moffat coming close.
In the end, the two teams settled for a draw.
