Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena at Luveve Stadium
Chicken Inn secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over TelOne FC in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Week 24 encounter at Luveve Stadium this afternoon, with Michael Charamba’s first-half strike proving the difference.
Charamba’s superb 42nd-minute volley settled the contest as the GameCocks held firm in the second half to deny the visitors an equaliser and collect maximum points.
The hosts had the perfect opportunity to take an early lead in the 10th minute after being awarded a penalty, but George Majika’s spot-kick was saved by TelOne goalkeeper Takudzwa Chikosi, who guessed correctly to keep the scores level.
TelOne almost punished Chicken Inn four minutes later when they earned a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, but veteran midfielder Silas Songani failed to hit the target, sending his effort wide.
Chicken Inn continued to create chances and came close again in the 31st minute when Majika delivered a teasing cross into the box, only for Innocent Masiwa to head wide.
The breakthrough eventually arrived three minutes before the interval. Charamba reacted quickest to a loose ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a first-time volley that flew beyond Chikosi to give the GameCocks a deserved lead.
TelOne responded with a double substitution at the start of the second half, introducing Frank Makarati for Prince Milanzi and Chris Mangwende for Nkosiyabo Masilela in search of a way back into the match.
Chicken Inn nearly doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute, but striker Man Ykre Dangmo Ngnowa Hapmo dragged his effort wide.
The visitors introduced Blessing Matebeck for Songani in the 58th minute with the move making them to enjoyed more possession as they searched for an equaliser.
Chicken Inn freshened up their attack in the 77th minute, bringing on Rahim Katinji for Hapmo and Edmore Chirambadare for Masiwa.
Despite TelOne’s sustained pressure in the closing stages, the GameCocks remained resolute at the back.
Brendon Rendo had an opportunity to seal the result in the 84th minute after connecting with Chirambadare’s corner-kick, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.
Charamba, the match winner, made way for Vasili Kawe in the 86th minute, and the substitute nearly marked his cameo with a goal three minutes later but failed to convert from inside the penalty area.
Chicken Inn comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to claim all three points from a closely contested encounter at Luveve Stadium.
Team line-ups
Chicken Inn FC: Donovan Fungai Benard, Alex Mumbango, Sefu Louisom Ngongo, Farai Tsinakwadi, Man Ykre Dangmo Ngnowa Hapmo (Rahim Katinji, 77), Itai Mabunu, Brendon Rendo, Thulani Joseph, George Majika (Chinika, 70), Innocent Masiwa (Edmore Chirambadare), 77), Michael Charamba (Vasili Kawe, 86).
TelOne FC: Takudzwa Chikosi, Admire Dzumbunu (captain), Allan Chapinduka, Nqobizitha Masuku, Jerry Chipangura, Silas Songani (Blessing Matebeck, 58), Innocent Mucheneka (Bruno Mtigo,80) , Chelsea Nyakope, Evans Katema, Nkosiyabo Masilela (Chris Mangwende, 45), Prince Milanzi (Frank Makarati, 45).
