Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere at Barbourfields Stadium
Bulawayo Chiefs 2-0 Chicken Inn
IT’S turning into a rough patch for Chicken Inn, and it’s the same problem costing them.
They went down 2-0 to Bulawayo Chiefs in a Castle Lager Premiership derby at Barbourfields yesterday, just days after another defeat to Highlanders, and again, it came down to how they defended their box.
Coach Tonderayi Ndiraya didn’t hide it.
“We lost to Highlanders through defensive errors and today it was the same story. We are failing to clear our lines when the ball gets into our box,” he said.
“Basically, we are struggling to defend at critical moments. We are making mistakes and gifting our opponents goals.”
For Chiefs, it was a job well done.
“I am happy with the performance. The boys did well and showed consistency. We just have to keep the momentum going and take each game as it comes,” said coach John Nyikadzino.
On the pitch, Chiefs were organised and took their chances, while Chicken Inn had spells of possession but struggled to turn it into anything meaningful.
Amakhosi Amahle kept it simple and were rewarded early.
Jimu Gwara opened the scoring in the 10th minute, connecting well inside the box to beat goalkeeper Donovan Benard after Chicken Inn failed to deal with the danger.
Chicken Inn had moments.
Itai Mabhunu tried to control the tempo from deep, George Majika looked lively on the wing, and there was some neat build-up involving Joseph Thulani and Brendon Rendo.
But they didn’t create enough clear chances.
Majika came close in the 30th minute with a shot from the edge of the box that went just wide, and that was as good as it got before the break.
Chiefs stayed compact, with Jameson Masaza solid at the back and Melikhaya Ncube doing the work in midfield to keep things ticking.
The second half was more physical, with both teams going direct at times.
Chiefs nearly added another in the 51st minute when Gwara found space again, but his effort was blocked by Benard.
They didn’t have to wait long.
Brian Muza, facing his former club, made it 2-0 with a composed finish inside the box after another lapse in the Chicken Inn defence.
Chicken Inn pushed, but again lacked the final touch.
Ngnowa Hapmo had a chance in the 67th minute but sent his effort over, and from there frustration started to show.
That boiled over in the 75th minute when Lincoln Mangaira was sent off for bringing down Muza as the last man.
With the extra man, Chiefs managed the game comfortably to the end and secured the derby bragging rights.
For Chicken Inn, it’s now back-to-back defeats and a third loss of the season, with the same issues continuing to hurt them.
Teams
Bulawayo Chiefs: Tinotenda Chinovhiringa, Melikhaya Ncube (Clive Rupiya 84’), Brian Muza (Zibusiso Dambo 84’), Arthur Musiyiwa (Busi Mathe 46’), Elvis Moyo, Kelly Shiyandindi, Jimu Gwara (Panashe Shoko 60’), Malvern Hativagoni, Maxwell Murimi, Jameson Masaza, Anesu Saiti (Nkosilathi Ncube 46’).
Chicken Inn: Donovan Benard, Ngnowa Hapmo, Sefu Louisom, Itai Mabhunu, Brendon Rendo, George Majika (Lynoth Chikuhwa 57’), Joseph Thulani, Marvellous Faranando (Temptation Chiwunga 70’), Innocent Masiwa, Lincoln Mangayira, Tyrese Waungua (Rahim Katinji 57’).
