Andrew
Fungai Muderere in BULAWAYO
Chicken Inn…………………………………… (0) 2
Black Rhinos………………………………….. (1) 1
HARD-running Chicken Inn forward Brian Muza took his goal tally to seven from eight games when the Gamecocks came from a goal behind to beat a determined Black Rhinos in a Castle Premier Soccer League match at Luveve Stadium yesterday.
With the win, Chicken Inn returned to the top of the log as they are now on 19 points, three ahead of second-placed Manica Diamonds and former champions Dynamos.
Manica Diamonds could, however, reclaim the number one spot should they overcome Cranborne Bullets at Baobab Stadium this afternoon as they have a superior goal difference.
Rhinos shot into the lead through Stanley Murove in the 36th minute after some good combination play with veteran Tawanda Nyamwande inside the 18-yard box.
The soldiers continued to dominate for much of the game.
However, a well-timed and tactful double substitution by Joey Antipas saw towering Brighton “MaNinja” Ncube and skilful George Majika being introduced for Malvin Hwata and Michael Charamba respectively deep into the second half.
The changes injected life into the Gamecocks game and they fought their way back. A piece of individual brilliance by the pacey Muza saw him get their equaliser in the 83rd minute from a fine pass from Ncube.
Three minutes later, Ncube provided another assist to Muza which the latter buried with so much ease to send their followers into a big frenzy.
“It’s work in progress. I must thank my teammates for a great second half performance. I’m happy that I managed to grab a brace. It is was a job well done,” said Muza.
Antipas was happy with the way his team had responded from an early set back.
The Gamecocks are still to taste defeat since the league resumed last month, with their only loss of the season having come away against FC Platinum in November last year.
“We struggled but I’m glad we picked up in the second half. We made some tactful changes which saved us from the jaws of defeat.
“It is always good to win after a slow start into the match. At half-time we had to regroup and we told the players to work harder because the attitude was not that okay,” said Antipas.
Black Rhinos gaffer Herbert Maruwa felt that his men went to sleep in the second stanza.
“We slept on duty after dominating play.
“With seven minutes to go it was unfortunate that we lost this match. Our strategy was to mark them man for man and eliminate their dangerous striker Brian Muza.
“It’s always work in progress and I’m happy we showed great character in this match,” said Maruwa.
Teams:
Chicken Inn: D Bernard, R Hachiro, M Charamba (Majika 67 mins), N Ketala, M Jackson, T Zinaka ( Amidu 46 mins), I Mabhunu, X Ndlovu (Bernard 87 mins) , S Mhlanga (Dzingai 46 mins), B Muza, M Hwata (Ncube 67 mins)
Black Rhinos: B Mwandimutsira, B Mbavarira, F Banda, G Madhake, A Phiri, G Mleya, S Murove (Madera 87 mins), J Nyabinde, B Christopher (Chiwunga 87 mins), C Kwaramba, T Nyamandwe (Ilunga 64 mins)
Online Reporter