adminChicken Inn………………………………………………..(0) 1
Caps United……………………………………………….. (1) 2
CAPS United shot to the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League log after a win over Chicken Inn, the fourth consecutive victory for the Harare side in a match played at Luveve Stadium yesterday.
The win took Caps United to the top of the log standings with 25 points, a point more than Highlanders and ZPC Kariba. Highlanders, however, could regain top spot depending on the outcome of their Bulawayo derby against How Mine at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.
A stunning goal from Hardlife Zvirekwi in the first half and a second half goal from Moses Muchenje earned Caps United their fourth set of three points in a row. Substitute Bhekimpilo Ncube headed in the only goal for Chicken Inn.
It was Caps United who showed attacking intent when skipper Tapiwa Kumbuyani’s powerful header went wide from a Pevington Zimunya corner kick with two minutes played.
Zimunya in the 22nd minute saw his free kick from just outside the box tipped over for a corner by Chicken Inn goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze.
Caps United should have had a penalty awarded to them in the 25th minute, striker Dominic Chungwa going down in the box from a Danny Phiri challenge from behind, but referee Philani Ncube was not interested.
Zvirekwi found the opener for Caps United in the 33rd minute. Phiri conceded a free kick in the middle of the park which was taken by David Chipala, the ball was flicked forward by Leonard Fiyado onto the path of Zvirekwi who curled in the ball with the side of his right foot to beat Chipezeze.
After the break, Caps United continued with their dominance, Zvirekwi testing Chipezeze with a shot from outside the box which the Gamecocks took care of three minutes into the second half.
Caps United got their second goal 22 minutes into the second period when Muchenje took advantage of indecisiveness from the Chicken Inn defence, slamming a grounder which a diving Chipezeze failed to hold.
Ncube found the consolation goal for Chicken Inn with eight minutes to go when he headed in a cross from John Bernard. A later surge from the home side did not materialise in further goals as they again failed to put home advantage to good use.
Caps United assistant coach Mike Madzivanyika, in charge in the absence of head coach Taurai Mangwiro was delighted with the win over Chicken Inn which he attributed to team work.
“The boys are really working hard, this is a good result for us, we deserved this win. It is all team work, they have been doing well for the past three games,’’ said Madzivanyika.
Joey Antipas, the Chicken Inn coach said his team did not play their usual kind of football as they missed a player like Brian Juru who was out suspended after accumulating three yellow cards.
“We didn’t play our usual kind of game, Brian Juru was missed because the game was lost in midfield,’’ said Antipas.
In other matches played across the country yesterday, Harare City won 2-1 away to Chiredzi while Chapungu and FC Platinum drew 0-0 in Gweru.
Teams
Chicken Inn: Elvis Chipezeze, Moses Jackson, Devine Lunga, John Bernard, Lawrence Mhlanga, Danny Phiri, Thabani Goredema (F Bushire 46 mins), Clemence Matawu, Canaan Nkomo (B Ncube 58 mins), Thomas Chimenya (T Banda 65 mins), Ishmael Lawe.
Caps United: Jorum Muchambo, Tapiwa Kumbuyani, David Chipala, Stephen Mukatuka, Asani Nhongo, Dominic Mukandi, Moses Muchenje (G Mangani 85 mins), Hardlife Zvirekwi, Pevington Zimunya (T Mukanahiri 89 mins), Leonard Fiyado, Dominic Chungwa
Match Officials
Referee: Philani Ncube
First assistant Referee: Faith Mloyi
Second assistant Referee: Oscar Bumhe
Fourth Official: Mlindeli Ndebele
Estimated Crowd: 750.
Online Reporter