Chapungu beat ZPC Kariba

Lovemore Zigara Midlands Correspondent
Chapungu 2-1 ZPC Kariba
CHAPUNGU handed ZPC Kariba their first defeat of the season after edging the power generators 2–1 in a Castle Lager premiership match at Ascot Stadium yesterday.

Last season, Chapungu ended a 19-match unbeaten run by ZPC Kariba, beating the Saul Chaminuka-coached side 3-0.

Yesterday “Waru Waru” got its goals through Gift Phiri in the 41st minute and an 81st minute strike by Tinei Chitora which proved to be the winner.

Dexter Phiri had earlier brought the visitors back into the game with a 30 yard cracker in the 63rd minute.

The score line was not a true reflection of the game as the hosts dominated the match and had the lion’s share of goal scoring chances with Allan Tavarwisa being the major culprit in front of goal.

Buoyed by their win over Highlanders a fortnight ago, Chapungu made their intentions clear with their first real chance coming as early as the 11th minute when Chitora’s cross was connected by Tavarwisa but his effort went straight to the ZPC Kariba goalie, Tapiwa Zvaita.

A minute later, Tavarwisa once again asked the visitors’ rearguard questions when he shrugged off the challenge of his marker but his shot from outside the box went just over the bar.

With the airmen enjoying the lion’s share of the possession Tavarwisa hit the woodwork in the 38th minute but no one was at hand to connect the rebound.

However, three minutes later, Phiri made no mistake when he connected a Collen Kwaramba cross beating Zvaita to send a small band of Chapungu fans into frenzy.

After the breather Chaminuka made tactical changes, bringing in Tawanda Nyamandwe for Artwell Nyamiwa in the 59th minute and the move paid dividends.

Nyamandwe exerted pressure on the Chapungu defence and soon the visitors were all over the show.

The power generators’ dominance resulted in a goal as under pressure goalkeeper Roy Mazingi made a poor clearance which fell onto the path of Phiri who fired from 30 yards leaving Mazingi clutching thin air as the ball nestled into the top left corner to restore parity for ZPC Kariba.

It was only a matter of time before Chapungu took the lead when substitute Philip Marufu, who had come in for Rodwell Mhlanga, beat two defenders before finding Chitora who was in the box.

Chitora roasted his marker and rifled a low shot which went through the legs of Zvaita to spark celebrations at Ascot.

There was drama at the end of the match when Chapungu’s Moenda Machingambi fell down and referee Makonese Masakadza seemed to consult Chapungu players on what had transpired before reaching for his back pocket to give Nyamandwe his marching orders.

The decision incensed Chaminuka who tore into the Masvingo-based match official.

“I do not care if I am going to be sanctioned but this kind of refereeing is bull****. Where have you seen a referee making a decision based on consultations with players. This is a deliberate campaign against my team,” he said.

His counterpart, John Nyikadzino said his side’s combinations were now working.

“I’m happy with the win. Like I said before we have a good side but we did not have the right combinations and now its working. The game against Highlanders gave the boys confidence and now the results are coming.”