derick.khumalo
Innocent Kurira At Luveve
Chicken Inn 1-2 Bulawayo Chiefs
BULAWAYO Chiefs claimed a valuable three points after edging Chicken Inn 2-1 in an entertaining Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter.
Chiefs made the perfect start, taking the lead with just under two minutes played when Melikhaya Ncube found the back of the net to stun the hosts.
Despite falling behind early, Chicken Inn responded positively and enjoyed the better share of possession for much of the opening half.
However, they repeatedly found the Chiefs defence in a resolute mood.
The Gamecocks’ best opportunity before the break fell to Innocent Musiwa, whose effort drifted just over the crossbar. Chiefs also threatened at the other end, with Brian Muza trying his luck from distance, but his dipping effort sailed over the bar.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Chicken Inn won a free-kick just outside the penalty area, but Michael Charamba’s well-struck effort crashed into the Chiefs defensive wall as the visitors went into the interval protecting their slender advantage.
Chicken Inn drew level almost immediately after the restart when Brian Rusinga inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. The equaliser came moments after Chiefs had squandered a golden opportunity to double their lead, with Brian Muza failing to convert at the other end.
The visitors, however, regained their composure and restored their advantage in the 63rd minute through Clive Rupiya, who produced a clinical finish, firing a well-taken shot into the inside of the side net to make it 2-1.
Chicken Inn pushed hard in search of another equaliser and came agonisingly close when Vassili Kawe found himself unmarked inside the box, only to send a free header over the crossbar from close range.
Chiefs held firm during the closing stages to secure an important away victory, with their disciplined defending proving decisive after withstanding sustained pressure from the hosts.
