Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira at Luveve Stadium
Chicken Inn 1-2 Byo Chiefs
BULAWAYO Chiefs wanted it more and Chicken Inn coach Tonderayi Ndiraya was honest enough to admit it after his side surrendered the Bulawayo derby at Luveve Stadium yesterday.
Clive Rupiya struck the winner in the 63rd minute as Chiefs recovered from conceding an own goal to claim a 2-1 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League victory.
Melikhaya Ncube had given Chiefs the lead inside two minutes before Brian Rusinga turned the ball into his own net shortly after the restart.
Chicken Inn had more possession, but Chiefs were sharper in both penalty areas.
Chiefs caught Chicken Inn cold, scoring before the hosts had settled into the contest.
The Gamecocks worked their way back into the match, but struggled to break down a compact Chiefs defence.
Innocent Musiwa sent their best chance of the first half over the crossbar, while Brian Muza threatened at the other end with a dipping effort that narrowly missed the target.
Chiefs should have doubled their advantage early in the second half, but Muza failed to make the most of a clear opening.
They were punished moments later when Rusinga inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net to bring Chicken Inn level.
Rupiya restored Chiefs’ lead in the 63rd minute, steering his effort inside the far post.
Chicken Inn’s best chance to rescue a point fell to Vassili Kawe, who rose unmarked inside the box but sent his header over the crossbar from close range.
Chiefs protected their advantage in the closing stages as Chicken Inn struggled to produce the urgency needed to force another equaliser.
Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino praised his players for making the most of their opportunities. “It is a massive three points for us. We managed to utilise the chances that we got,” Nyikadzino said.
“I must admit that it was not an easy game. Chicken Inn are a very good side. I am happy that my boys are beginning to show signs of understanding each other on the field of play.”
Ndiraya admitted Chiefs had shown greater desire.
“It is three precious points lost at home. I am really disappointed that today we were not ourselves. Bulawayo Chiefs wanted it more than us,” he said.
“Probably it is because we missed a game when the others were playing. The momentum that we had was broken.
“We were just poor, to be honest. There was no urgency in our play. There was no urgency in everything.”
