Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHICKEN Inn boosted their Premiership survival hopes with a crucial 1-0 victory over Triangle at Gibbo Stadium yesterday. Michael Charamba struck the decisive goal in the 45th minute, finishing off a swift counter-attack just before the break. The win lifted Chicken Inn to 36 points, leapfrogging Triangle, who remain on 34 and now face mounting pressure with three matches left.
The result was a timely lifeline for the Bulawayo-based side, whose recent form had raised concerns about their top-flight status. Charamba’s goal proved enough to seal all three points in a tightly contested match, where Triangle failed to capitalise on home advantage.
Elsewhere, CAPS United also took a major step towards safety, edging Manica Diamonds 1-0 in a tense encounter at Rufaro Stadium. Congolese striker Chris Mugalu scored five minutes after the hour mark, tapping in from close range following a well-worked move involving Ishmael Wadi. The win lifted the Green Machine to 38 points — four clear of Dynamos, who currently occupy the final relegation spot.
With both sides desperate to avoid the drop, the CAPS-Manica clash was played at a frenetic pace. Manica Diamonds dominated the early exchanges, controlling the midfield through Anelka Chivandire, Clive Dzingai, and Bret Amidu. Despite their slick passing, the Mutare-based outfit failed to convert their dominance into goals, with Fortune Binzi and Evans Katema missing key chances.
Makepekepe struggled to impose themselves in the first half, failing to register a shot on target. Coach Ian Bakala was forced to reshuffle, moving Chinga Chitoshi into a defensive midfield role and dropping Brian Kadamanja deeper after his side was repeatedly overrun.
The tactical adjustment paid off. 20 minutes into the second half, Wadi squared a low cross from the right, and Mugalu made no mistake.
The win marked CAPS United’s second consecutive victory, following a 1-0 triumph over Simba Bhora two weeks ago. For Bakala, the momentum could prove vital in their fight for survival.
For Manica Diamonds coach Tafadzwa Mashiri, the result was a bitter pill to swallow. His team matched CAPS United in every department and created more chances, but left Rufaro empty-handed.
With three matches remaining, the battle to avoid relegation remains intense. CAPS United now sit on 38 points, Chicken Inn on 36, while Triangle and Manica Diamonds are both on 34 — just above Dynamos in the drop zone.
