ZPC bank on home record in Bosso tie

The power utility side have started on a bright note this time around, sitting seventh with 15 points.

ZPC Kariba are looking to avoid the stressful relegation dogfight this time after narrow escapes over the last couple of seasons.

The power utility side have started on a bright note this time around, sitting seventh with 15 points.

They have lost two matches so far, against MWOS and Manica Diamonds, but crucially, they are unbeaten at home.

That record faces a stern examination this weekend when they host Highlanders.

After watching his side rescue a point against Ngezi Platinum Stars, having gone 2-0 down early, ZPC Kariba coach Newton Chitewe believes they are on track towards their target.

"Over the last few seasons, we have been involved in relegation battles. This time we want to push ourselves somewhere, at least in the mid-table. We don't want to be involved in the relegation battle this season," Chitewe said.

On Saturday, Ngezi surged ahead through a Talent Chamboko goal after just six minutes, but two minutes later Fanuel Shoko levelled for the visitors.

Takunda Benhura scored Ngezi's second before Malvin Gaki was dismissed.

The home side fought hard to preserve the lead but were undone from a set piece at the death.

Chitewe was pleased with the point.

"When we play against Ngezi, we know we are playing title contenders. They know what they are doing, you can see from the organisation. Even after going a man down, they were organised; it took us a set piece to breach their defence. Credit to my boys, they kept on fighting to clinch a point. For us, it's a point gained, never mind that they were a man down because we were playing away from home."

Ngezi Platinum's winless run stretched to six matches following that draw.

Coach Takesure Chiragwi appreciated the point, considering that they played long periods with a man less.

"We take a point, it's OK under the circumstances. We played with a man down and the boys fought hard until we were undone from a set piece. It was a well-taken free kick, credit to the player. Unfortunately for us, we lost Gaki, who was playing very well. I feel for the boys, they worked hard, but thank God for what we got, we move forward and look towards the next match," Chiragwi said.

Up next for Ngezi is a match against Herentals at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday.

They will be hoping to finally get it right and keep within touching distance of the leading pack.

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