Vusumuzi Dube
Innocent Kurira at Luveve Stadium
Chicken Inn FC 2-1 Herentals FC
AFTER six consecutive stalemates, Chicken Inn remembered how to win as they came from a goal behind to snatch three points against a determined Herentals at Luveve Stadium in Bulawayo yesterday.
The victory took Gamecocks’ points tally to 12 in eight matches. Before yesterday’s win, Chicken Inn who are unbeaten this season had last collected maximum points on Matchday Two when they beat Simba Bhora 1-0. Pressure was beginning to build on Chicken Inn’s coach, Prince Matore as the winless streak continued and his charges reacted in a positive manner against Herentals.
Chicken Inn took the game to the visitors though they could not create clear cut chances at goal. Herentals opened the score sheet first, through a penalty kick converted by Brighton Majarira after 37 minutes of play. Chicken Inn defender Mpumelelo Bhebhe was adjudged to have hacked a Herentals player inside the box. Six minutes later, Michael Charamba drew level for Chicken Inn with a perfect half volley from outside the box. It was a perfect goal, one that is an early contender for goal of the season. Chicken Inn’s Brian Muza came in as a second half substitute to score the winner 10 minutes after the break. Gamecocks coach Matore was a relieved man following the victory.
“We needed this win to get our confidence back. The last game we played we created chances but we could not convert them. Our challenge has been to score and today we scored two goals which is positive,” said Matore.
His opposite number Kumbirayi Mutiwekuziwa thought his opponents were tactically better on the afternoon.
“Chicken Inn did well to get the three points but l believe we could have got something out of this game. Our boys did not have enough energy having played another tough game against FC Platinum on Monday. We had to travel to Bulawayo but l think we did well. I think the introduction of Muza did the trick for them. I think tactically our opponents did well to win this game,” Mutiwekuziwa said.
Tafadzwa Kutinyu could have got the opener after eight minutes but completely failed to connect with a Charamba cross from the right. Zibusiso Ruguchu had a well taken effort crash against the cross bar after 30 minutes of play. Tino Benza had his shot at goal saved by Pride Zendera in goal for Chicken Inn with 12 minutes left to play. The hosts had to survive late pressure from the visitors to hold onto the the crucial three points.
– @innocentskizoe.
PSL results
Yesterday
Yadah 0-1 Caps United
FC Platinum 2-2 Manica Diamonds
Chicken Inn 2-1 Herentals
Green Fuel 0-0 ZPC Kariba
Fixtures
Today
Dynamos v Triangle (NSS),
Sheasham v Highlanders (Bata stadium), Hwange v Bulawayo Chiefs (Colliery).
Wednesday (10 May): Black Rhinos v Ngezi Platinum (NSS)
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter