adminFrom Munyaradzi Musiiwa in Gweru
Chapungu United………(1)1
Black Rhinos………………..0 A 15th minute penalty converted by Charles Murisa box ensured Chapungu collected maximum points and moved way from the relegation zone after this Castle Lager Premiership soccer match at Ascot yesterday.
The win completed a double over Rhinos for Chapungu after they beat the army side by the same margin in the reverse fixture.
A relieved Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino, who now needs a point in their last match against Highlanders to be assured of Premiership football next season, could not hide his joy and paid tribute to the entire Gweru community for the win.
“It was a tough match but we remained disciplined at the back to protect our lead. I want to thank our sponsors BancEasy for the incentives they were giving us as well as the Gweru community which has been rallying behind and it is only fair that we remain in the league for their sake,” he said.
Chapungu showed their intentions clear as early as the 5th minute as they were enjoying the exchanges when Farai Manase’s cross was headed just wide by Phillip Marufu.
After incessant pressure from the airmen, the Rhinos defence finally crumbled when a Manase shot was handled in the box and the referee did not hesitate to point to the penalty spot.
And up stepped Murisa who fired a low shot past Jonathan Zvaita who dived the right way but was beaten by the pace of the ball.
Ten minutes later Murisa could have doubled Chapungu’s advantage when he broke loose but skied his effort in a one-on-one situation with the Rhinos goalie.
Rhinos probed the Chapungu defence in the 83rd minute when Douglas Mbewe, who had replaced Shadreck Jimu, saw his effort hitting the upright but the rebound found no takers.
In the end Chapungu held on to collect maximum points.
After the match, Black Rhinos coach Jostein Mathuthu refused to entertain journalists as he made his way to the dressing room.
Online Reporter