Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Chicken Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
Simba Bhora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0
LYNOTH CHIKUHWA’s predatory first-half strike proved the difference as Chicken Inn battled to a hard-fought victory over 2024 champions Simba Bhora in a gripping Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter at Barbourfields yesterday.
Simba Bhora have been on a resurgence, largely anchored on the results; they have been grinding at their Wadzanai fortress in Shamva.
But in a match played with high intensity and plenty of physical battles across the pitch, the Gamecocks showed character and defensive resilience to hold off their determined visitors.
Although Simba Bhora finished the match strongly, they failed to find the breakthrough they desperately sought.
Chicken Inn started brightly and looked the more composed side in the early exchanges, enjoying better possession and moving the ball with confidence.
Their pressure paid off in the 18th minute when Francis Mostafa’s low drive slipped awkwardly against imposing goalkeeper William Thole, allowing the alert Chikuhwa to pounce and tap into an empty net.
The goal injected life into the home side, who continued to dictate the tempo for much of the first half while frustrating Simba Bhora with disciplined defending and quick pressing in midfield.
The visitors struggled to create clear-cut opportunities before the break, but they returned from half-time looking transformed.
Simba Bhora raised the tempo and nearly found an equaliser moments into the second half when Harrison Masina found himself in a dangerous position inside the box.
However, hesitation cost him dearly as he dragged his effort wide with Chicken Inn exposed.
That chance signalled the start of sustained pressure from the visitors, who threw numbers forward in search of a leveller.
Chicken Inn were forced deep into their own territory as Simba Bhora dominated possession during the closing stages.
But the hosts stood firm under relentless pressure.
Defender Mpumelelo Bhebhe produced a crucial late block to preserve the lead, while goalkeeper Donovan Bernard remained composed and assured whenever called upon.
Chicken Inn also threatened on the counter-attack and nearly doubled their advantage late on when Sefu Louis forced a fine save from Thole with a fierce effort.
The Gamecocks twice had the ball in the net during the contest, but referee Mhaka Magare ruled out both goals, adding further drama to an already tense atmosphere.
In the end, Chikuhwa’s opportunistic finish was enough to separate the two sides as Chicken Inn walked away with maximum points after a spirited and disciplined display.
“It was good to bounce back to winning ways after losing to MWOS. There is no longer an easy match in this league; collecting maximum points is now a really golden opportunity,” said Gamecocks head coach Tonderai Ndiraya.
“It was a very difficult one, we were playing a team that were really high in confidence. They had one or two games on the trot after beating a highly fancied Scottland, a team with such high quality.
“We were coming from a loss and it was very much difficult to motivate the boys.”
For Simba Bhora, it was a frustrating afternoon in Bulawayo as their spirited second-half performance yielded no reward despite dominating the latter stages of the match.
“We have not been bad travellers, it’s unfortunate we have now dropped points away from home,” said Simba Bhora gaffer Mandla Mpofu.
“We did not start well, we were a bit shaky. Our opponents really wanted it. We hope to pick up when we play our next match against CAPS United at our home ground, which has been our fortress,” added a dejected Mpofu.
