Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United …………………………………………….(0)1
Yadah Stars……………………………………………..(1)2
YADAH delivered a stunning 2-1 victory over CAPS United in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Rufaro Stadium yesterday, adding another twist to this season’s relegation battle.
Goals from Innocent Muchaneka and Tanaka Chikumba sealed a hard-fought win, while CAPS United’s late consolation from Love Mabiala proved too little, too late.
Yadah, popularly known as the Miracle Boys, dominated early, with veteran striker Evans Rusike testing CAPS goalkeeper Harmony Nare in the 13th minute, his effort sailing just over the bar.
CAPS United suffered an early blow when Bernard Chipanera was substituted due to injury in the 18th minute, replaced by Nyasha Chintuli, who missed with a headed chance moments later.
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Muchaneka, on loan from Scottland, unleashed a ferocious free kick from distance, leaving Nare rooted to the spot.
Yadah nearly doubled their lead before halftime, but King Nadolo’s strike rattled the crossbar in the 36th minute.
Tanaka Chikumba, who was introduced as a substitute for injured Francis Mustafa just before halftime, had a chance to extend Yadah’s lead but squandered another opportunity just after the break, firing wide .
Chikumba redeemed himself in the 57th minute, slotting home after a slick assist from Nadolo putting the game out of reach for CAPS United.
CAPS United fought back valiantly, with Mabiala pulling one back in stoppage time but his subsequent attempt to equalise flew over the bar, sealing Yadah’s triumph.
Yadah’s relieved coach, Takaendesa Jongwe, praised his team’s resilience:
“This time of the season, we can’t run away from the fact that we’re in the relegation dogfight.
“Maximum points, no matter how they come, are very important. We are happy for the three points we got, and I give congratulations to the team.”
“To my boys, they worked so hard. I thought our intensity was on point, especially in the first half.
“In the second half, CAPS came at us. Unfortunate for us, and unfortunate for them, but we managed.
“The boys’ concentration was on point, and at the end of the day, we scraped through with maximum confidence.”
“Every win brings some relief. Today’s result gives you some peaceful sleep for a night. For now, we’ll celebrate, but it’s just temporary. A team or a coach is not as good as his last game. So, we celebrate briefly and prepare for the next one,” said Jongwe.
CAPS United’s Ian Bakala lamented the absence of key players like Tanaka Shandirwa (suspension) and Bruno Kadamanja (injury).
“Oh, I don’t think it was a good game. Looking at our team, we’ve been dealing with internal challenges, so many injuries, constant changes each game.
“For this match, we had critical injuries where some players couldn’t even play.
“But even those who started proved themselves. Right now, we’re not okay, but we have to keep working. Hopefully, next week, everyone will be available and add value.”
The win left Yadah on 28 points in the 13th position tied with CAPS United who are in 12th position with the same number of points.
