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Mzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
How Mine 2-0 Caps United
HOW Mine FC are at the top of the Castle Lager Premiership after beating Caps United in a match played at Luveve Stadium yesterday.The Matabeleland South gold miners who had a bad start, extended their unbeaten run to six matches with five wins in a row.
Yesterday Caps United started at a blistering pace but it was Wonder Sithole who gave How Mine the lead in the sixth minute after Caps defender Asani Nhongo was caught napping by Edmore Muzanenhamo on the left flank who then squared in for Sithole to slam home with a shot.
The Green Machine captain Tendai Samanja had a chance to equalise on 29th minute after Xolisani Moyo had handled in the box and referee Bonamali Bwanali pointed to the spot. Samanja’s poorly taken shot was saved by How Miner goalkeeper Ephraim Mazarura who punched the ball away.
In a dull first half, Chikurupati almost grabbed the second goal just before half time with Muzanenhamo curling a corner kick which was connected by Moyo with a header only to land in the hands of Caps United goalkeeper Jorum Muchambo.
The visitors introduced Tinashe Mukanhairi in the 46th minute as they continued to search for the elusive equaliser.
How Mine had their physiotherapist sent off in the 55th minute after a verbal exchange with fourth official, Hardly Ndazi.
Free-scoring Musharu extended How Mine’s lead in the 64th minute with a free header from a James Chitereki free kick with Nhongo caught napping on the left flank again.
Musharu who has been instrumental in his team’s wins, now leads the goal scoring charts with seven goals.
Second half substitute Fungai Chirinda had a chance to grab the third goal for the Metallion Gold sponsored outfit in the 85th minute from a quick counter attack in which he was set up by Musharu but his effort went wide.
How Mine coach Philani “Beef” Ncube said the strategy to take advantage of counter attacks worked well.
“It was really a tense game but our strategy worked as we took advantage of counter attacks,” said Ncube.
He said the focus was now on their game against ZPC Kariba.
The How Mine gaffer said winning the league title would be a bonus for the gold miners whose aim is to remain in the elite league.
“Winning the league title would be a bonus as it is not our top priority,” he said.
His counterpart Tawurai Mangwiro this season found the trips to Bulawayo not pleasant after being walloped 4-0 by Highlanders a fortnight ago.
“It was not the best day for us as we continue to struggle every time we are away from Harare. We had the opportunity to reduce the deficit with a penalty but however we were unlucky,” he said.
The Caps gaffer blamed the loss on the ZNA Charities Cup semi-final against Dynamos played last weekend.
“We gave it all in the game against Dynamos and the game took a toll on us and our boys were strained but now we have to re-group,” said Mangwiro.
Caps United might face PSL sanctions after they chose to use an undesignated entry at Luveve Stadium yesterday.
Teams:
How Mine: Ephraim Mazarura, Xolisani Moyo, James Chitereki, Gilbert Banda, George Magariro, Edmore Muzanenhamo, Nyasha Mukumbi, Menard Mupera, Kudakwashe Musharu (Benjamin Marere 89th minute), Wonder Sithole (Fungai Chirandu 58th minute), Timothy January (Blessing Sande 90th minute)
Caps United: Jorum Muchambo, Dominic Mukandi, David Chipala, Stephen Makatuka, Asani Nhongo, Tendai Samanja, Moses Muchenje, Gerald Phiri (Tongai Magwendere 66th minute), Pervington Zimunya (Tinashe Mukanhairi 46th minute), Leonard Fiyado, Dominic Chungwa (Kevin Sibanda 80th minute)
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