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Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
A penalty, red card and five goals!
That sums up CAPS United’s spirited fightback against ZPC Kariba to secure a 3-2 victory, with Ishmael Wadi’s late penalty proving decisive in a dramatic Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Rufaro yesterday.
CAPS United took a 1-0 lead into half-time against ZPC Kariba after Wadi’s well-taken strike separated the two sides in an entertaining opening 45 minutes.
ZPC Kariba’s persistence paid off in the 56th minute when Ishmael Muroiwa applied the finishing touch from a corner kick to draw the visitors level at 1-1.
The parity lasted only five minutes. CAPS United responded immediately as Wadi turned provider, unselfishly setting up Takunda Benhura, who calmly finished in the 61st minute to restore the hosts’ advantage.
However, the visitors refused to go away. Second-half substitute Kudzai Ngwende capitalised on a mistake by CAPS United goalkeeper Wallace Magalane in the 68th minute, tucking the ball home to make it 2-2 and set up an electric end to the match.
With the match seemingly headed for a draw, CAPS United were awarded a penalty in the 87th minute after a hand-ball inside the box. Wadi stepped up and converted confidently in the 90th minute to grab a brace, giving Sibanda no chance and putting the hosts 3-2 ahead.
CAPS United, under returning head coach Takesure Chiragwi, made several changes to the side that faced Scottland last week. Captain Bruce Kangwa, Tanaka Shandirwa, Delic Murimba, and Davison Marowa were all restored to the starting line-up.
“It was dramatic today. We were honoured to achieve this result,” CAPS coach Takesure Chiragwi said.
“Coming from four games without a win, there was a lot of pressure. But the second goal and the third goal show the character of this team. We kept on fighting,” said Chiragwi.
He also spoke about the individual mistakes.
“We made a very big blunder. But at the end of the day, there is teamwork and spirit. All the players, I give them credit. They really want to win. When they make silly mistakes, you have to understand them and keep motivating them. That is how we end up winning in the last 10 minutes.”
The visitors threatened first in the fifth minute when Charles Munyanyi found himself with only CAPS United goal-keeper Wallace Magalane to beat, but the shot-stopper reacted sharply to parry the effort away. Recently appointed ZPC Kariba coach Expense Chitukutuku’s influence was evident early on, with the visitors displaying a patient passing game as they sought to control possession.
The Green Machine came close to breaking the deadlock in the 25th minute when Kudzai Chigwida rose highest to meet a Davison Marowa free-kick, only for ZPC Kariba goalkeeper Future Sibanda to produce a fine save. Two minutes later, CAPS United found the breakthrough. Bret Amidu won a battle against Collen Muleya and Edmund Ruwo before threading a defence-splitting pass into the path of Wadi. The forward shrugged off his marker and unleashed a powerful strike that gave Sibanda no chance, putting CAPS United 1-0 ahead.
CAPS United could have doubled their advantage in the 35th minute when Delic Murimba found himself with only the goalkeeper to beat, but the midfielder failed to convert from close range.
The Green Machine resumed the second half on the front foot and nearly doubled their advantage in the 50th minute when Future Sibanda produced two outstanding saves in quick succession to deny Davison Marowa and Wadi.
Two minutes later, Wadi thought he had grabbed his second goal of the afternoon after beating Sibanda, but celebrations were cut short when the assistant referee raised his flag for offside.
ZPC did find a way back, CAPS did take the lead before giving it away again for what looked set to be a 2-2 draw.
Wadi then won the game.
However, his afternoon ended on a sour note as he was shown a second yellow card deep into stoppage time, forcing CAPS United to finish the match with 10 men.
Despite the late dismissal, Wadi’s decisive penalty ensured Chiragwi marked his return to the CAPS United dugout with maximum points, while ZPC Kariba were left to rue missed opportunities after twice fighting back to level the contest.
ZPC Kariba head coach Chitukutuku said his team lost it despite giving a good fight.
“I give credit to the guys. Coming from a win, they tried to find another win today. Unfortunately, we lost at the last minute of the game.”
“We are going to work on our defensive side. That’s where the factor is,” said Chitukutuku. The win has now left CAPS United joint on points at the summit with Hardrock and Scottland on 31 points. Hardrock are on top with a superior goal difference.
Teams:
CAPS United: Wallace Magalane, Wesley Milanzi, Bruce Kangwa, Kudzai Chigwida, Ishmael Wadi, Tanaka Shandirwa, Richard Hachiro, Delic Murimba (Chawananga Kaonga 46), Davison Marowa(Tinotenda Meke 69), Takunda Benhura, Bret Amidu (Kudai Benyu 69)
Subs: Stephen Odai Kwaku, Brian Kadamanja, McDonald Makuwe, Phineas Bamusi, Kennedy Mupomba, Junior Bunjira, Chitoshi Chinga
ZPC Kariba: Future Sibanda, Kuzivakwashe Madima, Ishmael Muroiwa, Munashe Kamwendo, Wayne Kamurai, Clive Dzingayi, Edmond Ruwo( Kudzai Ngwende 54)(Malvin What 69), Collen Muleya, Genius Mutungamiri(Kelvin Gwao 69), Fanuel Shoko, Charles Munyanyi
Subs: Tafadzwa Magadu, Vitalis Chidzero, Remington Masuku, Ciphas Musikavanhu, Brian Mukucha, Nigel Kupara, Kudzai Ngwende
