Chicken Inn, Manica desperate for turnaround

Fungai Muderere at Luveve Stadium

TWO sides battling to rediscover consistency square off at Luveve Stadium this afternoon when struggling Chicken Inn host equally troubled Manica Diamonds in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) Matchday 22 encounter.

With both teams languishing in the lower reaches of the table, the clash has all the ingredients of a tense affair where three points could prove vital in easing relegation fears and restoring confidence.

Chicken Inn, under Tonderai Ndiraya, have endured a difficult campaign, with victories proving hard to come by in recent weeks. The Game Cocks will, however, draw encouragement from playing at home, where they will be hoping to turn Luveve Stadium into a fortress once again.

Manica Diamonds have also found life tough this season. The Gem Boys have struggled for goals and consistency, leaving them equally desperate to end their poor run of form.

When the two teams met in the reverse fixture at Sakubva Stadium in Mutare on April 2, they cancelled each other out in a goalless draw. Despite creating a few scoring opportunities, neither side could find the breakthrough in a closely contested encounter that reflected their struggles in front of goal.

Today’s meeting therefore presents both teams with an opportunity not only to complete the season double over the other but, more importantly, to breathe fresh life into campaigns that have threatened to drift off course.

With both sides expected to approach the contest cautiously, fine margins, defensive discipline and clinical finishing could ultimately determine who walks away with the precious three points.

Chicken Inn FC Starting XI

Donovan

Mumbango

Sefu

Tyrese

Charamba

Itai

Makunike

Joseph

Majika

Masiiwa

Hampo