Golden Eagles, Simba Bhora exciting duel ends in stalemate
The Ruyamuro Northern Region Soccer League top of the table clash pitting Golden Eagles and Simba Bhora which ended in a 1-1 stalemate lived up to its billing in front of a packed crowd at the Eagles Nest on Tuesday as both teams showed some touches of class which qualify them to be among the best teams’ in the league.
In a tightly contested encounter, Golden Eagles could have easily sealed the game in the first half given their dominance but were not clinical in front of goal.
The hosts would then break the deadlock in the 38th minute through defender Knowledge Mapuka who headed home a cross from Trevor Bhunu from the left with the game going to the oranges 1-0 in favour of Golden Eagles.
After the restart, Simba Bhora were more determined to equalise as they sensed defeat in the air something which could have put a dent to their title aspirations.
Seemingly heading for a Golden Eagles victory, the visitors’ never die spirit paid off at the death with substitute Dean Chunga coming to the rescue in the 90th minute when he found the back of the net to level matters.
Golden Eagles coach Gilbert Mushangazhike expressed his displeasure over his team’s lacklustre defending after failing to hold on to their lead while Simba Bhora assistant coach Paul Chimalizeni applauded his charges for their fighting spirit.
“The big problem in my team was we never had compact defending, there was too much loose marking and we gave room to the opponent. Overally, I am happy with the general performance of the team and we look forward to our next assignment against Cam and Motor,” said Mushangazhike.
“It was a fair result the boys played very well and fought to the end. Just when we thought we had lost the match the lads did the unthinkable and managed to draw level and earned us a crucial point away from home,” Chimalizeni noted.
Simba remain at the apex of the standings with 57 points while Golden Eagles occupy position 3 on 54 points.
