adminMunyaradzi Musiiwa in GWERU
BRUISED Chapungu will this weekend face a another litmus test when they lock horns with log leaders Chicken Inn in a Castle Lager Premiership tie at Ascot this afternoon.
The Airforce side had enjoyed an eight-match unbeaten run, and leaped into second position, until they were beaten 0-2 by Harare City in the capital last week.
The defeat saw Chapungu dropping into fifth position due to an inferior goal aggregate as they have the same number of points with third and fourth-placed Triangle and How Mine.
Chicken Inn have enjoyed an impressive start to the season and lead the title race with 26 points from 12 games – four points clear of defending champions Dynamos who in the second place.
Chapungu gaffer John Nyikadzino conceded that Chicken Inn were tough and experienced opponents and he expects a bruising contest.
Nyikadzino, who has since silenced critics following a bad start of the season in which he lost three matches on the bounce, said he was confident his men will stand the test of the Gamecocks.
“It’s going to be a tough match but we have prepared for the game,” he said.
“Chicken Inn know what to expect at Ascot and so they should come well prepared.”
Chapungu will enter the match limping as they will be missing former Shabanie Mine midfielder Marvellous Dikinya who is out through injury.
Chicken Inn will also be missing Ben Nyahunzvi, who is nursing an injury, while leftback, Design Lungu, will also miss the match due to suspen- sion.
Gamecocks coach Joey Antipas said he was expecting a tough battle against a side that has lost only one match at home against Dynamos.
“We are preparing for a bruising battle against Chapungu but we hope to come out with a positive result,” said Antipas, a former winner of the league championship with Motor Action.
“Chapungu are always difficult to beat at home and have been doing well lately so football fans in Gweru should expect a good game of football.”
Online Reporter