adminThe Green Machine found the opener in the 30th minute through midfielder Hardlife Zvirekwi and 10 minutes later striker Nqobile Mpala added another goal.
Gunners quickly pulled one back in the 43rd minute when Moses Muchenje converted from the penalty spot after Caps United’s Tendai Samanja had handled in the box.
The win saw Caps United bouncing back to winning ways after drawing their last two league matches against Monomotapa and Quelaton.
Taurai Mangwiro’s charges began the match on a high tempo and young midfielder, Zvirekwi, returned to haunt his former team when he beat Gunners goalkeeper Clayton Dombo.
After the early lead, the hosts continued asking the Gunners defence questions and in the 32nd minute David Rediyoni failed to bury a perfect chance after receiving a fine delivery from Mpala.
The onslaught continued and the former Highlanders and Pretoria University forward doubled Caps’ advantage when he received a cross from Tapuwa Kumbuyani and sent a perfect header into the nets.
However, Samanja presented Gunners with a chance to come back into the game when he handled in the box in a desperate attempt to clear and referee Robert Mugorosa pointed to the spot.
Muchenje sent Itai Chiwara in goals for the Green Machine the wrong way.
After the breather, it was a close contest with both teams having a fair share of chances. Caps United striker Mpala header towards the end slightly missed the target after a another fine cross from Zvirekwi who had good outing.
In the 55th minute Gunners striker Ishmael Lawe’s effort was saved by Chiwara as the visitors searched for an equaliser.
But the miss of the day and a perfect chance to equalise came in the 89th minute when substitute Tapiwa Mangezi received a good delivery from Abel Gwatidzo but the seasoned player with the keeper to beat, disappointed.
Caps United assistant coach Mkhupali “Mr Cooper” Masuku said they utilised their chances in the first half.
“It was difficult but at the end of the day we won as we utilised our first half chances. We didn’t want to make a lot of mistakes. The win is a boost to us as the teams behind us lost yesterday,” said Masuku.
Gunners coach Moses “Bambo” Chunga who appeared unmoved with his sinking ship basked in the attention of Caps United fans as they cheered him on after the match.
A visitor would have mistaken him for the winning gaffer Taurai Mangwiro.
“When I took over, the problem is, we have not been utilising our chances. When fighting relegation it becomes difficult. Again it has been the sloppiness in my defence which cost us the match. The first goal my defence was caught in sixes and sevens and the second one, nobody challenged for the ball so you get punished,” said Chunga.
Teams
CAPS United: I. Chiwara, A. Nhongo (A. Chivheya 48th minute), B. Zabula, T. Munyanduri, T. Kumbuyani, T. Samanja, H. Zvirekwi, D. Rediyoni(E. Chafungamoyo 64th minute), H. Zvirekwi, N. Mpala, L. Fiyado(C. Kawinga 89th minute).
Gunners: C. Dombo, P. Chinungwa, W. Kamudyariwa(A. Gwatidzo 71st minute), M. Muchenje, I. Lawe, W. Gondo, V. Ndaba, T. Dephistra(T. Mangezi 61st minute), O. Muchingura, M. Demera, M. Kunyarimwe(E. Raphozo 78th minute).
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu