Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Chicken Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
TelOne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
CHICKEN Inn stretched their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League resurgence to three straight wins with a hard-fought victory over relegation-haunted TelOne at Luveve yesterday.
Michael Charamba was the hero, smashing home a first-time strike from outside the box in the 42nd minute. It sets up a perfect platform ahead of Sunday’s Bulawayo derby against Highlanders. Bosso, who arrived at Nyamhunga on a high, following their hard-won 1-0 win over champions Scottland, were immediately brought down to earth after suffering a 1-0 reverse at the hands of ZPC Kariba yesterday. But for the Gamecocks, their win 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 spot-kick 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 free-kick 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 half-time. 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 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.
A dejected TelOne head coach, Saul Chaminuka, admitted that his side’s growing list of defeats was becoming increasingly frustrating.
