Chicken Inn stutter again

Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent

Chicken Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  (0) 1

Chapungu  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1

CHICKEN Inn coach, Joey Antipas put on a brave face despite admitting they lost two valuable points in their quest for the championship following a one all draw against visiting Chapungu at Luveve Stadium yesterday afternoon.

The draw comes on the back of a 0-2 loss against Highlanders in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League midweek fixture last weekend. Chicken Inn’s dream of reclaiming the title seems to be fading with each match as the side has of late been posting inconsistent results.

 Despite dominating the proceedings from the first whistle it was Chapungu who managed to score first as the visiting team’s first foray into the penalty area yielded a positive result after Ian Nyoni, who was charging towards goal, was brought down by Xolani Ndlovu and referee Nkosikhona Moyo pointed to the spot in the 18th minute. Former soccer start of the year, Denver Mukamba stepped up and his powerful shot beat Chicken Inn goalkeeper, Donovan Bernard to give the visitors the lead.

Conceding the goal seemed to take away the energy from the Game Cocks, who allowed Chapungu to come into the game and this saw both sides creating several chances. The home team came back a rejuvenated side from the breather and piled on the pressure camping in Chapungu’s half and the visitors seemed to be soaking in the pressure until Gracious Mleya handled inside the box as Tapiwanashe Kadonzvo was sending the ball into the box in the 70th minute.

Innocent Mucheneka stepped up and converted the spot kick to level scores. Chicken Inn piled on the pressure creating several chances but their players took turns to miss. Antipas said they are not losing faith despite struggling to collect maximum points and will fight till the end for the championship.

Chicken Inn remain second with 42 points behind log leaders Caps United who have so far amassed 44 points and are in action today against Mushowani while Chapungu now have 33 points.