The Lufule open ground was packed to capacity last Sunday when United Artists played to a goalless draw with Ngwenani Young Chiefs in their MMK Administrators League match.

The hosts, United Artists, could have sealed the game within the first 20 minutes of the game, but their strikers seemed to have left their scoring boots at home. At that stage, the Young Chiefs defenders were running for cover.

Realizing that the opposition were all over them, Young Chiefs abandoned their positions to solidify their defence for a moment and left Tshifhiwa Ramatsea as a lone striker. The strategy worked for them as the Artists’ technical staff seemed to have run out of ideas for the better part of the first half.

Things turned against United Artists shortly after Young Chiefs introduced their dribbling wizard, Tshifhiwa “One-one” Nedzamba, towards the end of the first half. Tshifhiwa Ramatsea of Young Chiefs was warned with a card for obstruction two minutes into the last half. Tshifhiwa Munyai of United Artists was also reprimanded for a similar infringement five minutes later.

The Young Chiefs keeper, Tshimangadzo Mulovhedzi, made his presence felt in the 59th minute. He stretched to the limit to execute a brilliant save. This was after Mashudu Siobo unleashed a powerful half volley from the edge of the penalty box.

Vutomi Ngomana of United Artists was lucky to go away with just a yellow card in the 64th minute. He handled the ball intentionally in front of the assistant referee.

The game turned lukewarm for about 15 minutes as both sides ballooned from behind. Tshifhiwa Nedzamba made his last attempt in the 79th minute. He unleashed a volley from just outside the box. The ball missed the goal mouth by inches, much to the disappointment of the fans.