Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga
CAPS United twice came from behind to earn a pulsating 3-3 draw against Hardrock at Chahwanda Stadium yesterday, denying the home side two valuable points and handing league leaders Scottland another boost in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race.
The miners twice led and looked set to tighten their grip on second place, but Makepekepe refused to go away, fighting back on each occasion to earn a share of the spoils. Washington Navaya inspired Hardrock with a goal and two assists, while second-half substitutes Wilfred Madzungu and Obriel Chirinda transformed the contest for their respective teams.
Hardrock made the brighter start and almost struck when Tinotenda Muringai’s cross picked out Samuel Makawa, whose effort sailed over the bar after Navaya had been unable to connect.
The breakthrough arrived in the 16th minute when Navaya finished from close range, forcing Washington Arubi to pick the ball out of the net on his return to Premier Soccer League football.
CAPS gradually settled into the contest. Tanaka Shandirwa, Richard Hachiro and Chitoshi Chinga combined neatly in midfield as the visitors searched for an opening, while Chawanangwa Kaonga tested Tonderayi Mateyaunga with a fierce free-kick and also came close directly from two corner kicks.
The pressure finally told when Kudzai Chigwida rifled home the equaliser to send the teams into the break level.
Both coaches turned to their benches after half-time and the changes immediately altered the complexion of the contest.
Barely a minute after coming on, Chirinda danced past defenders before curling a superb effort beyond Mateyaunga to hand CAPS a 2-1 lead.
Hardrock responded through Madzungu, who replaced Sambulo Simelane in the 54th minute.
The substitute first levelled before heading home from another pinpoint Navaya cross to restore the hosts’ advantage at 3-2.
Just when Hardrock looked to have regained control, Chirinda again proved decisive, setting up Kope Mugalu for the equaliser as CAPS fought back for a second time.
The afternoon also marked the long-awaited Hardrock debut of Prince Dube, who came on after the break alongside fellow substitute Gerald Takwara.
Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu admitted his side had paid for a costly lapse.
“It was a good game but we lost two points when we were in control. We made one mistake and we were punished,” said Kaindu.
“The league is not about beating teams that you have not beaten. If we continue collecting points, that’s important for us. That’s why we are in second position. We want to remain consistent, but we also need to be more clinical.”
CAPS coach Takesure Chiragwi praised his players’ resilience after twice coming from behind.
“We wanted to win, but it was a difficult game against a very good attacking side. I’m pleased with the character we showed to come back twice and score three goals. We’ll take the point and move forward.”
Meanwhile, in other PSL matches played yesterday, Manica Diamonds dismissed ZPC Kariba 1-0 at Sakubva. And at Gibbo, Herentals edged Triangle 1-0 to get back their title campaign on track.
