Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
CAPS United survived a major scare at Barbourfields yesterday, escaping with a point after Chicken Inn failed to convert a string of second-half opportunities in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter that raised fresh questions about the title challengers’ ability to handle pressure away from home.
In a championship race where every point carries increasing significance, this felt less like a point gained for CAPS United and more like two dropped. While the visitors arrived in Bulawayo intent on maintaining momentum among the league’s leading pack, they spent much of the second half defending desperately against a Chicken Inn side that sensed an opportunity to claim a statement victory.
The result leaves CAPS United in the race, but it also highlighted a concern that has surfaced periodically during their campaign. Despite enjoying spells of possession and control, they struggled to turn promising situations into goals and were ultimately indebted to goalkeeper Stephen Kwaku, whose late saves ensured they avoided defeat.
Chicken Inn will leave the match with mixed emotions. Having endured a difficult run in recent weeks, the Gamecocks produced one of their most encouraging displays, matching the league frontrunners physically and tactically before finishing the stronger side. Their frustration will stem from the knowledge that they created enough openings to win the contest.
CAPS began brightly, with Richard Hachiro, later named Man of the Match, dictating the tempo alongside Tanaka Shandirwa and Kundai Benyu. The visitors controlled possession during the opening stages and looked the more likely side to impose themselves. Yet for all their midfield authority, clear chances remained scarce as Chicken Inn’s defensive pairing of Mpumelelo Bhebhe and Itai Mabhunu maintained their discipline and denied space in dangerous areas.
As the match settled, the hosts gradually discovered belief. Rahim Katinji’s early penalty appeals signalled their attacking intent before Lynoth Chikuhwa and Vassili Kawe increasingly stretched the CAPS defence. The tactical battle shifted as Chicken Inn began winning second balls and attacking with greater purpose, forcing the visitors onto the back foot.
Both goalkeepers produced important moments before the break. Taimon Mvula denied Chawanangwa Chaonga with an excellent save while Kwaku reacted sharply at the other end after Kawe released Chikuhwa with a clever pass. Those interventions kept the contest balanced, but they also hinted at the decisive role the goalkeepers would play.
The second half belonged largely to Chicken Inn. Their pressing became more aggressive, their movement more purposeful and their belief visibly stronger. CAPS United continued to reach dangerous positions but repeatedly failed to make them count, with Takunda Benhura and Chaonga unable to convert opportunities that might have changed the complexion of the afternoon.
Sensing vulnerability, Chicken Inn pushed forward in search of a breakthrough. Thulani Joseph’s fierce strike forced Kwaku into a superb save before Kawe came agonisingly close to delivering a dramatic winner in the closing moments. On both occasions, the CAPS goalkeeper produced the kind of interventions that often prove crucial over the course of a title challenge.
Chicken Inn coach Tonderayi Ndiraya acknowledged the frustration of another draw while also recognising the quality of the opposition.
“It’s two points dropped at home. It was a very difficult game from our end. We have had a bad run of late. We lost three games in a row before we drew against Agama. Now this is another draw. Of course a point is better than nothing considering where we are coming from and the fact that we were playing against the log leaders. From that end, we think it’s a very valuable point.”
CAPS United coach Takesure Chiragwi took encouragement from his side’s resilience after a demanding schedule but admitted they failed to maximise key moments.
“The guys put up a very good spirited performance after playing on Sunday. With travelling, it was very tough. We performed well and had moments that saw us change the complexion of the game. Chicken Inn were also good in their attacking structure. We could have probably got two or three goals but we could not convert.”
By full-time, the contrasting emotions were obvious. CAPS United were relieved to remain unbeaten and keep collecting points. Chicken Inn were left reflecting on what might have been.
Teams.
Chicken Inn FC
Taimon Mvula, Vassilli Kawe, Sefu Louisom,
Tyrese Devante Waungua, Lynoth Chikuwa (Man Hapmo, 46mins), Itai Mabhunu, Temptation Chiwunga, Rahim Binwell Katinji (Innocent Masiwa, 46mins), Thulani Joseph, Mpumelelo Bhebhe, Farai Tsinakwadi.
CAPS United
Stephen Kwaku, Wesley Milanzi, Bruce Kangwa, Kudzai Chigwida, Nyasha Gurende, Tanaka Shandirwa, Richard Hachiro, Kundai Benyu, Chawanangwa Chaoka (Davison Marowa, 65 minutes) , Takundwa Bengura, Bret Amidu (Tinotenda Meke 77 minutes).
