Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena at Barbourfields Stadium
Chicken Inn and CAPS United played out a goalless draw in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Week 17 encounter at Barbourfields Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
CAPS United enjoyed the better of the exchanges for much of the match but were unable to convert their chances as both sides settled for a point.
The visitors started brightly and nearly found the opener in the second minute when Tanaka Shandirwa found himself in a promising position, but his close-range effort failed to trouble the hosts.
CAPS continued to dominate possession through a well-organised midfield featuring Shandirwa, Kundai Benyu and Richard Hachiro. However, Chicken Inn’s defence, marshalled by Mpumelelo Bhebhe and Itai Mabhunu, stood firm.
Chicken Inn’s first notable moment came in the ninth minute when Rahim Katinji went down inside the penalty area under a challenge, but the referee waved away appeals for a spot-kick.
The Gamecocks gradually grew into the contest and created two opportunities in the 16th minute, though they failed to make them count. CAPS remained dangerous on the counter, with Hachiro frequently driving forward in search of openings.
CAPS’ Chawanangwa Chaoka came close to breaking the deadlock in the 20th minute, but Gamecocks’ goalkeeper Taimon Mvula produced a crucial save. Five minutes later, Lynoth Chikuwa latched onto a well-weighted pass from Vasili Kawe, only for CAPS goalkeeper Stephen Kwaku to react quickly and deny him.
Bret Amidu also threatened from a free-kick, but his effort took a deflection and was cleared after resulting in a corner.
As the first half drew to a close, CAPS created two more opportunities. Chaoka failed to connect with a dangerous cross from Amidu in the 41st minute, while Takunda Benhura headed Bruce Kangwa’s delivery straight at Mvula.
Chicken Inn introduced Man Hapmo and Innocent Masiwa at the start of the second half, replacing Chikuwa and Katinji respectively.
CAPS continued to press and nearly took the lead in the 54th minute when Hachiro threaded an excellent pass to Benhura, but the forward missed the target from a promising position.
Chaoka squandered another golden opportunity in the 65th minute before making way for Davison Marowa.
The visitors were handed a free-kick in a dangerous position in the 72nd minute after Itai Mabhunu fouled Benyu just outside the penalty area. Benyu stepped up, but his effort was comfortably gathered by Mvula.
CAPS introduced Tinotenda Meke for Amidu in the 77th minute as they searched for a breakthrough.
Chicken Inn nearly snatched victory in the closing stages. Thulani Joseph unleashed a powerful strike in the 82nd minute, forcing Kwaku into a fine save, while Kawe was denied by the CAPS goalkeeper in the 90th minute.
Despite several opportunities at both ends, neither side could find the decisive touch, and the match ended in a goalless draw.
Teams.
Chicken Inn FC
Taimon Mvula, Vassilli Kawe, Sefu Louisom,
Tyrese Devante Waungua, Lynoth Chikuwa (Man Hapmo, 46mins), Itai Mabhunu, Temptation Chuwunga, Rahim Binwell Katinji (Innocent Masiwa, 46mins), Thulani Joseph, Mpumelelo Bhebhe, Farai Tsinakwadi.
CAPS United
Stephen Kwaku, Wesley Milanzi, Bruce Kangwa, Kudzai Chigwida, Nyasha Gurende, Tanaka Shandirwa, Richard Hachiro, Kundai Benyu, Chawanangwa Chaoka (Davison Marowa, 65 minutes) , Takundwa Bengura, Bret Amidu (Tinotenda Meke 77 minutes).
