Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere at Luveve Stadium
Chicken Inn 2, Yadah Stars 1
A moment of late magic from Michael Charamba sealed a dramatic come from behind win for Chicken Inn, as the Gamecocks edged Yadah Stars in a thrilling Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) Week 19 clash at Luveve Stadium yesterday.
With the clock ticking down and the hosts staring at a frustrating draw, Charamba, introduced in the second half, sparked to life, slicing through the midfield with purpose before a slick exchange of passes opened space. At the edge of the box, the 2022 Soccer Star of the Year finalist lifted a cheeky chip into the path of Edward Musena, whose composed finish over a stranded Taimon Mvula sent Luveve into raptures.
Referee Mhaka Magare’s final whistle came almost immediately after the goal, sparking wild celebrations among Gamecocks players, technical staff and fans.
“It was a dramatic finish,” said an ecstatic Joey Antipas.
“If you look at the second half, we were a bit under pressure, Yadah were coming at us, but we managed to find the winner, which is great. It gives us three points and the confidence to get our season back on track. I’ll give the boys 100 percent for fighting. They didn’t give up, that’s why we managed that late winner. I’m chuffed about the win.”
Yet it had started badly for Chicken Inn.
Yadah took a surprise lead in the 23rd minute when King Nadolo pounced on a clever Anotidaishe Gwatidzo pass and rifled a stinger past goalkeeper Aron “Arusha” Ngwenya. It was the Miracle Boys’ first real chance and they made it count, silencing the home crowd.
The goal momentarily deflated the Simbisa Brands sponsored side, who struggled to break down a compact Yadah defence. Genius Mutungamiri, Kumbirai Mutenha and Walter Vuwa all toiled to find openings but met stiff resistance.
But just before the break, Chicken Inn clawed back. In the 43rd minute, Vuwa ghosted in at the back post and rose highest to nod home a precise George Majika cross, bringing the Gamecocks back on level terms.
The second half saw both teams push for the winner in an end-to-end affair with multiple substitutions, but neither could find the breakthrough, until Charamba stepped up.
The result marked only Chicken Inn’s fourth win of the season, lifting them to 20 points.
Yadah head coach Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe cut a disappointed figure after the final whistle.
“We were inviting the opponent a lot,” he said.
“I felt we were managing the game well. They didn’t create so many chances, I wouldn’t say my goalkeeper was busy. In fact, neither goalkeeper was. It’s unfortunate we conceded in the last minute. We could’ve managed it better.”
