CAPS UTD BOUNCE BACK AS WADI HITS DOUBLE

Curtworth Masango

Zimpapers Sports Hub

CAPS United………………………………..…….(1) 3

ZPC Kariba………………………………..……….2

ISHMAEL Wadi was both the hero, and to some extent a villain, as CAPS United found a way to end a miserable run to collect maximum points on a dramatic Sunday.

Ambitious newboys Hardrock powered back to the top of the table after a comprehensive 3-0 win over Simba Bhora.

Chahwanda hosted a match for the first time since the mayhem which engulfed the stadium two weeks ago.

Washington Navaya was the star of the show with his brace while Samuel Makawa added a third goal.

There were five goals at Rufaro where CAPS United survived a spirited fightback from ZPC Kariba, and a howler from goalkeeper Wallace Magalane, to get the win.

It keeps them on par with the leading sides in the championship race.

Wadi’s late penalty, his second of the afternoon, proved the decisive moment in this game which dished out entertaining for the fans.

Wadi’s powerful strike in the first half gave CAPS United the lead.

He was then sent off in the closing moments of the game after receiving a second yellow card for what the referee felt was time wasting when he was substituted.

Coach Takesure Chiragwi, back in charge after missing the game against Scottland because of national duty, made several changes to his side.

Bruce Kangwa, Tanaka Shandirwa, Delic Murimba and Davison Marowa were all restored to the starting line-up.

Recently-appointed ZPC Kariba coach Expense Chitukutuku’s influence was evident early on, with the visitors displaying a patient passing game as they sought to control possession.

The Green Machine came close to breaking the deadlock in the 25th minute when Kudzai Chigwida rose highest to meet a Davison Marowa free-kick, only for goalkeeper Future Sibanda to produce a fine save.

Two minutes later, CAPS United found the breakthrough.

Brett Amidu won a battle against Collen Muleya and Edmund Ruwo before threading a defence-splitting pass into the path of Wadi.

The forward shrugged off his marker and unleashed a powerful strike that gave Sibanda no chance.

CAPS United could have doubled their advantage in the 35th minute when Murimba found himself with only the goalkeeper to beat but the forward failed to convert from close range.

The Green Machine resumed the second half on the front foot and nearly doubled their advantage in the 50th minute but Sibanda produced two outstanding saves in quick succession to deny Marowa and Wadi.

Two minutes later, Wadi thought he had grabbed his second goal of the afternoon after beating Sibanda but his celebrations were cut short when the assistant referee raised his flag for offside.

ZPC Kariba’s persistence paid off in the 56th minute when Ishmael Muroiwa applied the finishing touch from a corner kick to draw the visitors level at 1-1.

The parity lasted only five minutes.

CAPS United responded immediately as Wadi turned provider, unselfishly setting up Takunda Benhura, who calmly finished in the 61st minute.

Second-half substitute Kudzai Ngwende capitalised on a mistake by Magalane in the 68th minute, tucking the ball home to make it 2-2 and set up a tense finale.

What Magalane was trying to do defies logic even though he can argue that he needed to be protected by the referee as both his hands were behind the ball.

“It was dramatic today. We were honoured to achieve this result,” said Chiragwi.

“Coming from four games without a win, there was a lot of pressure. But the second goal and the third goal showed the character of this team.

“We kept on fighting.

“We made a very big blunder. But, at the end of the day, there is teamwork and spirit. All the players, I give them credit. They really want to win.

“When they make silly mistakes, you have to understand them and keep motivating them. That is how we ended up winning in the last 10 minutes.”

Teams

CAPS United

Wallace Magalane, Wesley Milanzi, Bruce Kangwa, Kudzai Chigwida, Ishmael Wadi, Tanaka Shandirwa, Richard Hachiro, Delic Murimba (Chawananga Kaonga 46th min), Davison Marowa (Tinotenda Meke 69th min), Takunda Benhura, Brett Amidu (Kudai Benyu 69th min)

ZPC Kariba

Future Sibanda, Kuzivakwashe Madima, Ishmael Muroiwa, Munashe Kamwendo, Wayne Kamurai, Clive Dzingayi, Edmond Ruwo (Kudzai Ngwende 54th min) (Malvin What 69th min), Collen Muleya, Genius Mutungamiri(Kelvin Gwao 69th min), Fanuel Shoko, Charles Munyanyi