07/06/2026
Khami holds Nkayi United
By Nkayi United media
Nkayi United........................0
Khami United......................0
Khami United frustrated Nkayi United to a goalless stalemate at White City Stadium this afternoon in week 12 of the Pacific Breeze Southern Region Soccer League.
Nkayi came into the encounter desperate for a victory after a turbulent week, in which they lost to Bulawayo Warriors and were booted out of the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup — all in the same week.
However, they came unstuck against a determined Khami United side who proved to be a tough nut to crack all afternoon, also benefiting from a bit of luck.
Nkayi were quick off the blocks. James Chivasa's eyes lit up inside the box upon receiving a pass from captain Moreblessing Ernesto on the right side. His powerful strike, destined for the bottom corner, was blocked for a corner kick by a last-ditch tackle in the 20th minute.
On the other hand, the pace of Nqobani Mpofu and Courage Muzamba kept the Nkayi defence on their toes. In the 62nd minute, Muzamba blazed over the bar when he had a clear sight of goal, causing no trouble for goalkeeper Romeo Zimba.
The Nkayi technical team made changes in the second half in an attempt to add impetus to their attack, but the goal wouldn't come. Substitute Michael Ndlovu struck over the target when he was fed by Karel Jawa down the wing in the 65th minute.
Tino Chitete then struck the post in the 86th minute when a goalmouth melee resulted in the ball landing at his feet on an acute angle. However, his effort couldn't squeeze between substitute goalkeeper Mduduzi Nyathi — who had replaced Leroy Moyo in the 75th minute — and the post.
When referee Christina Mpanza blew the final whistle, Nkayi players went down in dejection as the team has gone three matches without a win.
After the game, consistent skipper Ernesto bemoaned the missed opportunities:
"The game was okay. We did our best, but we missed a lot of chances today. At the end, we will accept the result because that's football — you either win, lose, or draw. We will take that draw to our next fixture away in Victoria Falls against Mosi Rovers.
"In previous games we were conceding silly goals, but today I'm happy that we did not concede, which is a positive. Although it is disappointing that we dropped two points in a game that I feel we deserved to win," said Ernesto.
Nkayi remained eighth with 18 points, nine points adrift of log leaders Hwange, who travel to Bulawayo on Wednesday to face Imbizo.
(Picture: Nkayi United forward Tino Chitete breaks loose from the shackles of Khami's Charles Manyukwa at White City Stadium this afternoon).
