adminMunyaradzi Musiiwa in Gweru
Chapungu . . . . . . . (1) 2
Buffaloes . . . . . . . . .(0) 1
Ngonidzashe Murisa’s stoppage time strike was all Chapungu needed to secure victory over Buffaloes when the two Defence forces sides clashed in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie at Ascot yesterday. Chapungu took the lead with just 13 minutes into the game when Gift Phiri fired home from close range after he was set up by Courage Muzire inside the box.
Muzire had received a long pass from the back.
The visitors, however, replied 16 minutes after the break when Lloyd Katongomara latched onto the rebound after Jacob Muzokomba’s shot was punched by Chapungu goalkeeper, Roy Mazingi.
Waru Waru sealed their victory right at the death when the referee pointed to the spot after Buffaloes defender, Shepherd Nkatha had handled inside the box while trying to clear the ball.
Charles Murisa almost spoiled the day when his shot from the spot hit the post after sending goalkeeper Blessing Mwandimutsira the wrong way.
However, lady lucky smiled at him when the ball hit the goalkeeper’s legs and rebounded back to him for a second bite of the cherry.
It was the visitors who first made their presence felt in the second minute when Katongomara’s first time shoot propelled over the bar.
Buffaloes got close to scoring three minutes later when Roy Mwenga set up an unmarked Muzokomba who fired off target.
Chapungu, however, almost doubled their advantage in the 15th minute when Phiri flighted a cross into the box to find Philip Marufu whose effort went over the bar.
The visitors came back from the breather rejuvenated and started mounting pressure on Chapungu. Buffaloes got their equaliser in the 61st minute through Katongomara.
The introduction of Calisto Maheya and Rodwell Mhlanga, however, changed the complexion of the game as the pair tormented Buffaloes defenders.
Chapungu had a sigh of relief when Nkatha handled inside the box in the final minute of the game .
The airmen’s coach John Nyikadzino said his side desperately needed to win to avoid fighting relegation.
“We are very happy that we managed to win at home today. These three
points are very important to us. It was, however, unfortunate that we conceded a goal at a time when we thought we were on top of the situation. We missed quite a number of chances in the first half.
“We are still trying to make improvements upfront. What we are sure of is that we are not going to be fighting relegation this season,” said Nykadzino.
Buffaloes assistant coach, Timothy Masuchi said his charges had given it their best shot.
“It is unfortunate that we lost this match. What we now need is to do is to rectify our mistakes and make sure that we collect maximum points when we play Bantu Rovers,” Masachi said.
Teams
Chapungu: Roy Mazingi, Charles Mativenga, Charles Murisa, William
Ngonya, Blessing Zabula, Collen Kwaramba, Phillip Marufu (Manase 87
min), Gift Phiri, Courage Muzire (Maheya 60 min), Ngonidzashe Murisa
(Mhlanga 71 min), Maxwell Mavuto
Buffaloes: Blessing Mwandimutsira, Shepherd Nkatha, Moses Gutu,
Prosper Matizanadzo, Phillip Chandisaita, Jacob Muzokomba, Roy Mwenga,
Juwakinyu Kastigu (Mukahlera 86 min), Lloyd Katongomara
Online Reporter