adminMunyaradzi Musiiwa in Gweru
Chapungu . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) (2)
Flame Lily . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)(1)
TINEYI CHITORA was feted like a king after his injury time winner won Chapungu an absorbing Chibuku Super Cup first round tie at Ascot yesterday.
With the tie seemingly headed for a penalty shoot-out, Chitora capitalised on a fumble by Flame Lily goalkeeper Prosper Chigumba.
The airmen started the game explosively with Allen Tavarwisa and Patrick Khumbula troubling the visitors’ defence with their power play.
Veteran Philip Marufu missed a good chance eight minutes into the game, blazing over after a through pass from Rodwell Mhlanga. Two minutes later, it was Mhlanga’s turn to miss an open goal after a quick exchange of passes had opened the Flame Lily defence.
Marufu got it right on 25 minutes when he latched on to a cross from Abton Chekai to beat a badly exposed Chigumba.
Chapungu were reduced to 10 men on 75 minutes after captain Colleen Kwaramba was given his matching orders by referee Mulindeli Ndebele after a second bookable offence. Three minutes later, Flame Lily were level, Virimai Makudo beating Roy Mazingi after a long ball had caught the Chapungu defence flat footed.
Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino hailed his team for showing character.
“I am happy to have won for the first time in six matches. It wasn’t an easy game but we showed character. However, we still need to work on our strike force because we continue to miss a lot of chances,” he said.
Flame Lily mentor Backlyfield Chivenga said Lady Luck was not on their side.
“It’s unfortunate we lost after playing good football. It was not our day but if we continue playing like this we will certainly survive relegation,” he said.
Teams
Chapungu: R. Mazingi, C. Mativenga, H. Mugoniwa, M. Muchingani, C. Kwaramba, W. Ngonya, A. Chekai, P. Marufu, R. Mhlanga, P. Khumbula, A. Tavarwisa (N. Murisa 58 min).
Flame Lily: P. Chigumba, G. Phiri, B. Chayambuka, E. Kopeni (J. Mukondiwa 68th minute), B. Chandisaita, T. Huwa, E. Madhananga, P. Chinyama, V. Mukudo, M. Chigora, J. Chivasa
Online Reporter