Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere at Luveve Stadium
Chicken Inn 1 TelOne 0
CHICKEN Inn continued their impressive resurgence in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over TelOne at Luveve yesterday stretching their winning run to three matches ahead of Sunday’s eagerly anticipated Bulawayo derby against Highlanders.
Michael Charamba proved the hero for the Gamecocks, firing home a superb first-time strike from outside the box in the 42nd minute to separate the two sides in a Week 24 encounter.
The result handed Tonderai Ndiraya’s men another crucial three points as they continue to build momentum during the second half of the campaign.
Chicken Inn could have taken the lead as early as the 10th minute after being awarded a penalty, but George Majika saw his spotkick brilliantly saved by TelOne goalkeeper Takudzwa Chikosi.
The visitors almost made the hosts pay moments later, but veteran midfielder Silas Songani failed to capitalise from a dangerous freekick on the edge of the area, sending his effort wide.
The Gamecocks remained the more threatening side and after Innocent Masiwa headed wide from a Majika cross in the 31st minute, they finally found the breakthrough just before halftime. Charamba reacted quickest to a loose ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a thunderous shot beyond Chikosi.
TelOne made two changes at the start of the second half in an attempt to turn the tide, while Blessing Matebeck was later introduced as the visitors searched for an equaliser.
Chicken Inn also created chances after the break, with Ngnowa Hapmo dragging an effort wide before Brendon Rendo’ s clever flick went over the bar from an Edmore Chirambadare corner late in the match. Substitute Vasili Kawe also squandered a good opportunity in the closing stages.
Despite sustained pressure from TelOne in the dying minutes, the Gamecocks defended resolutely to register another clean sheet and secure maximum points.
Speaking after the match, Ndiraya expressed delight with his side’s recent form.
“One goal, three points and not just that, three wins on the trot. That is something that we had not done this season, so I am excited by that.
It shows that the team is really progressing,” Ndiraya said.
He added: “Three wins in a row is good for the confidence of the players. We are pleased with the progress we are making, but we know there is still a lot of work to do. We now shift our focus to another difficult match against Highlanders on Sunday.”
A dejected TelOne head coach Saul Chaminuka admitted that his side’s growing list of defeats was becoming increasingly frustrating.
“We gave away a goal in the final moments of the first half; unfortunately it was the goal that sealed everything. It is really disappointing that we have lost so many matches. With 10 matches left before the end of the season, we have to keep pushing and working hard. We can only hope lady luck smiles on us in the remaining fixtures,” said Chaminuka.
Team line-ups
Chicken Inn FC: Donovan Fungai Benard, Alex Mumbango, Sefu Louisom Ngongo, Farai Tsinakwadi, Man Ykre Dangmo Ngnowa Hapmo (Rahim Katinji, 77), Itai Mabunu, Brendon Rendo, Thulani Joseph, George Majika (Chinika, 70), Innocent Masiwa (Edmore Chirambadare), 77), Michael Charamba (Vasili Kawe, 86).
TelOne FC: Takudzwa Chikosi, Admire Dzumbunu (captain), Allan Chapinduka, Nqobizitha Masuku, Jerry Chipangura, Silas Songani (Blessing Matebeck, 58), Innocent Mucheneka (Bruno Mtigo,80) , Chelsea Nyakope, Evans Katema, Nkosiyabo Masilela (Chris Mangwende, 45), Prince Milanzi (Frank Makarati, 45)-@FungaiMuderere
