Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda, Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United 1-1 Hunters
CAPS United left it late, but they found a way out.
For more than 80 minutes at Rufaro, FC Hunters looked set for a breakthrough Premier Soccer League victory. The league debutants were organised, bold and good value for their lead, while the log leaders drifted through long spells looking second best.
Then came the response.
Takunda Benhura rose to head home Richard Hachiro’s cross in the 82nd minute, dragging Makepekepe back into a match that had been slipping away and forcing a 1-1 draw in front of Warriors coach Marian Marinica.
Before that moment, FC Hunters had done almost everything right.
Their opener on 37 minutes was a clean, confident piece of football. Elder Chirima delivered from wide, and Tadiwa Huni met it first time, a crisp volley that exposed the spaces left by CAPS United’s 3-5-2 shape.
It capped a first half the newcomers largely controlled, pressing with intent and moving the ball with purpose. CAPS United, by contrast, struggled for second balls and rhythm, often arriving a step late in key moments.
“We were coming short on the second balls, even the movement and everything,” CAPS United coach Takesure Chiragwi admitted.
“But then, obviously the damage that we did is too considerable at the end of the first half.
“At the end of the day, we just needed to make sure we are CAPS United and we had to come back strong and make sure we try to get the points that we want.
“The point will add value to the points that we have.”
That response came after the break.
Chiragwi shuffled his pack early in the second half, introducing Alleny Mukombedzi and Brett Amidu for Kundai Benyu and Obriel Chirinda. The change brought urgency and width, with Mukombedzi quickly becoming the game’s most dangerous outlet.
CAPS United began to pin FC Hunters back.
Kelvin Shangiwa, the Hunters goalkeeper, was forced into a series of sharp saves, including a crucial one-on-one stop to deny Ishmael Wadi as pressure mounted.
Chiragwi pushed further, rolling the dice with a triple change that brought on Sean Mutede, Talent Chamboko, and Kennedy Mupomba. The message was clear, CAPS United were going for it.
The equaliser finally came eight minutes from time. Hachiro delivered, Benhura attacked the space, and the header flew past Shangiwa to level matters.
Even then, the contest refused to settle quietly.
FC Hunters felt they should have had a penalty late on when Nyasha Gurende handled in the box, a decision replays suggested had merit. Moments later, CAPS United also appealed for a spot-kick after Ronald Pfumbidzai appeared to handle under pressure, but again the referee waved play on.
“We are coming from Division One and we were told that in the PSL we don’t talk about such issues.
“I can’t talk about things beyond my control,” said FC Hunters coach Nesbert Saruchera. Despite the frustration, his side will take encouragement from another competitive showing. This was their fifth draw in seven matches, still searching for that first top-flight win, but no longer looking out of place.
Saruchera’s decision to deploy former Dynamos man Vusa Ngwenya in an unfamiliar role paid off, with the winger controlling the right channel for long periods, especially in the first half.
“I want to thank the supporters for coming to watch the match.
“I think we gave them entertainment,” he said.
For CAPS United, the unbeaten home record remains intact, but this was a reminder that dominance on the log does not guarantee control on the pitch.
They had to fight for this point. And for long stretches, they were second best.
