Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TAKESURE Chiragwi dropped the under-fire Wallace Magalane and his replacement Stephen Kwaku made some key saves as CAPS United picked a point at Barbourfields yesterday.
The result leaves the Green Machine firmly in the race after leaders Hardrock also dropped points in a goalless draw against FC Platinum at Mandava yesterday.
The Gamecocks left the battle with mixed emotions.
Having endured a difficult run in recent weeks, the hosts had one of their better displays, matching the league frontrunners physically and tactically, before finishing the stronger side.
Their frustration will stem from the knowledge that they created enough openings to win the contest.
CAPS began brightly, with Richard Hachiro, later named man-of-the-match, dictating the tempo alongside Tanaka Shandirwa and Kundai Benyu. The visitors controlled possession during the opening stages and looked the more likely side to impose themselves.
Yet for all their midfield authority, clear chances remained scarce as Chicken Inn’s defensive pairing of Mpumelelo Bhebhe and Itai Mabhunu maintained their discipline and denied space in dangerous areas.
As the match settled, the hosts gradually discovered belief.
Rahim Katinji’s early penalty appeals signaled their attacking intent before Lynoth Chikuhwa and Vassili Kawe stretched the CAPS defence.
Both goalkeepers produced important moments before the break.
Taimon Mvula denied Chawanangwa Chaonga with an excellent save.
Kwaku reacted sharply at the other end after Kawe released Chikuhwa with a clever pass.
“It’s two points dropped at home. It was a very difficult game from our end. We have had a bad run of late,” said Chicken Inn coach Tonderai Ndiraya.
Chiragwi took encouragement from his side’s resilience after a demanding schedule.
“The guys put up a very good spirited performance after playing on Sunday.
“With travelling, it was very tough. We performed well and had moments that saw us change the complexion of the game.”
