HARARE- BANC ABC Sup 8r champions Lengthens produced a fabulous defensive display to hold reigning African Champions TP Mazembe to a goalless draw in an exhilarating international friendly match at Rufaro yesterday.
The Happy People who are one of Zimbabwe’s representatives in the Caf Confederation Cup defied odds staked against them when they displayed their best performance since they started their preparations for their maiden appearance in the African Safari in which they will meet AS Adema of Madagascar in a tricky encounter at Rufaro on Sunday. Although TP Mazembe did not field star player and inspirational captain Tressor Mputu, Lengthens coach Mandla Masuku was happy with the result.
He said the test match served its real purpose and he was happy that they gained a point against the reigning African Champions. “This is our third consecutive match as we prepare for the tie against AS Adema. I must say that I am pleased with the result. Our defence was solid today but we need to work on our strike force. We could have won this one had our strikers not wasted chances. If you consider the fact that we lost 4-1 in our first game last weekend, lost 2-1 in the second game I think you agree with me that this draw shows an improvement especially when it is against a team like TP Mazembe.” said Masuku
However, his counterpart Diego Gazzito said he was disappointed with the result. “I am not happy at all. We came here to win and not to get a draw. We need to work very hard. Lengthens and CAPS United have quality players. They are very strong sides,” said Gazzito. TP Mazembe fielded four former Monomotapa players Chris Semakweri, Muthulis Maphosa, Daniel Zokoto and Darry Nyandoro. They did not play in the match against CAPS United whom they beat 2-0 on Tuesday.
However, Lengthens never really showed any respect for their more illustrious opponents as they launched a series of raids in their opponents goal. Artwell Nyamhiwa and Richard Muteki came close towards the end of the match but watched in horror as their efforts were cleared from the line. Dynamos and Gunners are representing Zimbabwe in the Champions League while CAPS United and Lengthens will fly the country’s flag high in the Confedera-tion Cup. Gunners are the only Zimbabwean side who are away this weekend after they flew out to face Mafunzo FC of Zanzibar on Sunday. Dynamos who recieved a bye into the first round will get their campaign rolling in March.
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News