Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango, Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United 2-0 Kwekwe United
CAPS UNITED returned to winning ways with a spirited 2-0 victory over league debutants Kwekwe United in a match that had it all, goals, drama, controversy, and grit, at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday.
The Green Machine struck early through Tendai Matindife and sealed the points with a classy Kundai Benyu effort before half-time.
The game began in explosive fashion when referee Mercy Maimbo awarded CAPS a penalty following a foul on Bissila Mabiala in the 10th minute. The decision sparked chaotic scenes, with Kwekwe United players swarming the technical area in protest, leading to a brief delay.
Once calm was restored, Matindife stepped up and made no mistake from the spot in the 13th minute, calmly sending goalkeeper Elton Nechiware the wrong way.
The second goal came in the 41st minute after some neat interplay down the right. Nyasha Chintuli picked out Benyu with a precise cutback, and the midfielder coolly slotted home to give Makepekepe a comfortable cushion.
Kwekwe United had a chance to claw back just before the break when Farai Mutatu attempted a spectacular bicycle kick, but Harmony Nare in the CAPS goal produced a stunning save to keep his clean sheet intact.
The visitors came back from the break with renewed purpose and dominated possession for large spells, but their efforts fizzled out in the final third. Mutatu’s 73rd minute header was safely gathered by the ever alert Nare.
Kwekwe United’s woes deepened when Kenneth Pasuwa had to be stretchered off in the 84th minute after sustaining an injury, leaving them a man down, having already exhausted all substitution options.
CAPS United nearly put the game to bed in the 87th minute when substitute Eric Manokore whipped in a dangerous cross that was met by Tanaka Shandirwa, whose glancing header flashed just wide.
Acting head coach Alex Sigion, standing in for Ian Bakala, hailed the team’s response.
“It’s a much-needed result. Looking at the position we’re in, we just want to finish this first round in a respectable spot. We told the boys to fight for the badge, and they showed up today. We got the result we needed,” said Sigion.
Kwekwe United head coach Paul Chimalizeni lamented defensive lapses that have haunted his team in recent weeks.
“We played well but conceded soft goals. We tried to respond but just couldn’t find the net.
We’ll regroup and work on our defensive structure. That’s where we’re falling short,” he said.
Teams
CAPS United Starting XI: Harmony Nare, Brian Kadamanja, Hastings Chapusha, Wesley Milanzi, Kelvin Mangiza, Nyasha Chintuli, Kundai Benyu, Tanaka Shandirwa, Phineas Bamusi, Tendai Matindife, Bissila Mabiala.
Substitutes: Wayne Ushe, Tapiwa Matongo, Rouen Tjihumba (90’), Eric Manokore (78’), Junior Bunjira (67’), Brighton Manhire, Juan Mutudza (67’), Junior Pedzisai, Rodwell Chinyengetere.
Kwekwe United Starting XI: Elton Nechiware, Andile Taruvinga, Tafadzwa Muzenda, Lennox Chibi, Brian Kativhu, Emmanuel Mutimbanyoka, Genesis Munashe, Robert Muchara, Farai Mutatu, Mbongeni Minezhi, Nyasha Saungweme.
Substitutes: Ahmed Daudi, Marlon Nyawaranda, Timothy January (40’), Trevor Chikede (75’), Qaccim Phiri (54’), Shelton Sibanda, Kenneth Pasuwa (40’), Jealous Musukutwa.
