Online Reporter
MediaMpofu, Zimpapers Sports Hub
CORRECTIONAL Queens rose to the summit of the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League after edging Sheasham Queens 1-0 in Harare.
The prison guards capitalised on Chapungu Queens’ slip, after the former log leaders went down 3-1 to Black Rhinos Queens. It was only Chapungu’s second defeat of the season, a heavy blow in a title race they had looked favourites to dominate.
Herentals Queens, last year’s champions, were inactive over the weekend due to continental duty, losing 2-1 away to Costa do Sol of Mozambique. Their absence allowed rivals to shuffle the top order.
For Black Rhinos, the win was built on precision from the penalty spot. Caroline Mangwai converted twice in the 65th and 73rd minutes before Tatenda Temba struck late in injury time. Rudo Neshamba had opened the scoring for Chapungu in the 49th minute.
Chapungu manager Theodora Chabika admitted the result was hard to take.
“It is a tough result to digest but that is how sport is. Sometimes you win, sometimes things don’t work out as planned.
“The most important thing is to learn from the ordeal, gear up and keep moving,” she said.
She added that her team had taken note of their shortcomings and would look to correct them in their next outing.
Black Rhinos manager Portia Chihota was delighted with her side’s response against the log leaders.
“I am very happy with the outcome of the match. Chapungu is a very strong team but we managed to beat them. They had more chances than us but we managed to use ours and came out victorious,” she said.
Elsewhere, Mpopoma Sports Academy beat Conduit Soccer Academy 2-1 at Bulawayo Chiefs Village to keep alive their hopes of a top five finish. Cranborne Royals, who have struggled this season, secured a surprise 1-0 victory over Faith Drive Academy. Faith Drive, recently weakened after releasing more than a dozen players including top scorer Bethel Kondo, looked short of firepower.
Other results: Red Buffalo 0-1 Harare City, Platinum Royals 2-1 Kwekwe Queens, Black Mambas 1-0 Highlanders Royals.
Log Standings
Team P W D L GD Pts
Correctional 17 15 1 1 37 46
Chapungu 17 14 1 2 49 43
Herentals 16 13 2 1 45 41
Platinum Royals 18 13 1 4 39 40
Black Rhinos 18 12 2 4 45 38
Mpopoma 18 9 5 4 9 32
Faith Drive 18 8 0 10 6 24
Sheasham 18 7 3 8 -5 22
Highlanders 17 7 1 9 -5 22
Harare City 18 5 5 8 -3 20
Kwekwe 18 6 0 12 -14 18
Conduit Soccer 18 5 3 10 -30 18
Maningi YSA 17 4 2 11 -12 14
Cranborne 18 4 2 12 -21 14
Black Mambas 18 4 1 13 -36 13
Red Buffalo 18 0 1 17 -105 1
