Vusumuzi Dube
Innocent Kurira At Luveve Stadium
AN improved second half performance gave the hosts victory in the match which was delayed by 15 minutes after an unexpected kit clash just before kick-off.
The visiting team came out of the tunnel for kick-off in yellow stockings and black shorts, same as Chicken Inn.
They were forced to source for another set of the shorts and stockings from other avenues, before the match eventually kicked off.
It is especially important for players from opposing teams to wear shorts and socks of distinctive colours, as linesmen and referees need to be able to see which player is past the final line of defence to judge whether or not they have been offside.
Chicken Inn FC opened the scoring three minutes after the break through Itai Mabunu.
The defender shot home a loose ball from inside the box to send the hosts into the lead.
They doubled their tally through Malvin Hwata after 61 minutes.
Hwata made a solo run into the box and found himself face to face with Hwange goalkeeper Wellington Muuya.
His initial effort was saved but his rebound found its way into the back of the net as miscommunication between Muuya and defender Elisha Zulu allowed the ball into the back of the net.
The visitors almost caused a scare as they pulled one back through Shepherd Gadzikwa after 84 minutes. However, the GameCocks would hold on the lead.
Hwange had began the first half with high intensity but they could not replicate that in the second half.
The visitors were out of sorts, running the entire match and never gave any serious threat to their fancied opponents.
Marcelline Mlilo almost got the visitors on the lead after 30 minutes with low shot from outside the box which drew a good save from Pride Zendera.
A minute later, Thabani Goredema’s deeping free-kick from a long way out almost caused problems for Zendera but it went over the bar.
Brian Muza wasted the hosts’ best chance of the half just before the breather after he failed to tap home from close range a cross from the left.
Chicken Inn started the second half brightly forcing a double corner kick inside the first minute of the second stanza. However, the goal would not come at that moment.
Michael Charamba had an opportunity had an opportunity to make it three on the 80th minute mark after he was sent through on goal by substitute Richard Hachiro.
With the goal in sight, Charamba missed the target.
Chicken Inn FC
P.Zendera, M.Hwata, G . Majika (O. Malajila 90 mins) M. Bhebhe, I. Mabunu, N.Ketala, C. Dzingai, (R. Hachiro 68 mins), B. Muza (V. Moyo 78 mins) S. Mhlanga, T. Kutinyu, M. Charamba
Hwange FC
- Muuya, J. Mumpande, B. Mlotshwa, B. Rendo, C.Sibanda (C. Nkomo 64 mins), T. Goredema, B. Ngoma (C. Tshuma 64 mins), S. Gadzikwa, S.Sithole (T. Muvuti 69 mins), E. Zulu ( G. Goriyathi 64 mins), M.Mlilo (J. Chivasa 64 mins)
-@innocentskizoe
Online Reporter