Chronicle Editor
Nkosilathi Sibanda, Sports Writer
BLACK Rhinos FC marched on a happy lot as they brushed aside Chicken Inn FC 2-1 to progress to the Chibuku Super Cup semi-final, in a day that their coach Saul Chaminuka described as a happy one.
Chaminuka beamed in delight, much as expected for a coach whose team played away from home and bagged the much needed victory.
The win plucked the Gamecocks’ wings and left them with nowhere to fly.
Chaminuka’s reaction was a sound of a man liberated by his army.
“I am excited. The boys played well and they exhibited teamwork,” said Chaminuka.
He said the Chibuku Super Cup contest, yesterday was the best that his charges have ever displayed.
“This was a cup game and anything was possible. From the start we made the effort to put up a brave fight.
“The match was a test of character because one would not have expected that we would have bounced back and lead. It’s rare for a cup game of this magnitude. My players did well to win this one.”
The home team’s gaffer, Prince Matore was disappointed, if not shaken to the reality of seeing the ticket to the African Safari going down the drain right at their home ground.
Losing at Luveve Stadium after having led in the first half left him dejected. He blamed his players for dropping their guard.
“It is disappointing. We should have buried this game in the first half,” said Matore.
Among the big culprits was Genius Mutungamiri, who by all standards should have netted at least three chances in front of goal. Genius failed to live up to his name and Matore shook his head when he spoke of those moments.
“It was not his day. We should have scored more.”
Rhinos Valentine Katsande had a brace that gave the visitors all they needed to cage the Gamecocks.
Chicken Inn had first scored thorough Malvin Hwata in the 37th minute, after taking advantage of a blunder from the Chauya Chipembere backline, to shoot the ball at close range.
Commendable was the army side’s composure even after falling behind at that moment. After the break, Katsande handed Rhinos their response in the 66th minute.
Katsande made it two goals in the fourth minute of additional time and that was it. The soldiers went back to the barracks a smiling lot.
Black Rhinos became the first team to reach the Chibuku Super Cup semis and the win should boost the boys’ confidence as they continue with the fight to survive relegation.
Teams
Chicken Inn FC: Zendera, M Hwata, M Charamba (O Malajila 85 minutes), M Bhebhe, R Hachiro, N Ketala, G Mutungamiri (George Majika 70 minutes), L Lunga, S Mhlanga, I Mabunu, B Muza ((T. Kutinyu 70 minutes)
Black Rhinos FC: L Gonese, C Nyakope, G Saunyama, T Mchisi, D Mutimuzunze, N Mhlanga (K.Nyakudanga 51 minutes), G Dematsika, A Gahadzikwa (S Chikwerengwe 70 minutes), V Katsande, L Chiwunga, E Katema.
Online Reporter