Chronicle Editor
Curtworth Masango
Caps United 1 – 0 Sheasham
CAPS United edged Sheasham 1-0 in a Castle Lager Premier match played at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
Veteran Rodwell Chinyengetere scored the solitary goal as the Green Machine registered rare back-to-back wins after they had struggled for form in recent matches.
Both teams went to the game tied on 30 points and the game was a mere reflection of the relegation battle as the league narrows towards the end.
The game started with a slow tempo with both teams battling to settle in the midfield.
Caps United capitalised on their first meaningful chance with Chinyengetere heading home Eric Manokore’s cross in the 17th minute.
United were able to hold on to their lead as goalkeeper Ashley Rayners managed to deny all promising efforts from Sheasham.
Speaking after the game, Caps United coach Lloyd Chitembwe said he believed the win was important for bolstering their confidence going into the final matches of the season. He appreciated his charges for a splendid performance.
“It was a good game of football, a game of two halves. We really dominated in the first-half and created chances.
“We really played some good football. We were really prepared for this and they (the players) executed well the stuff we did during training.
“The way we managed to attack and create chances.
“In second-half, maybe we were down to nervousness. This season, not so many times we were in this position in recent games.
“Our mental aptitude is very important going forward as it brings confidence in the team.
“So these back-to-back wins are important to the team as they highlight we can still win matches so we just have to build on that,” he said.
Sheasham head coach Lizwe Sweswe felt that it was a tough match where his charges were unlucky to score for them to take charge of the game.
“I think it was a tough game, they scored and we didn’t. The boys made some mistakes but in our second-half we came good and we were unlucky, we should have equalised.
“What is important is to keep the team in the league and I am confident it will happen. The guys are playing very well and are confident and we now have to pick maximum points in the remaining games,” he said.
Caps United are now on 33 points and have put themselves in a better position to drift away from relegation.
Both teams now shift to their midweek fixtures.
Teams
A. Reyners, E. Manokore, I. Zambezi, H. Chapusha, L. Mangaura, D. Chafa, J. Thulani, R. Chinyengetere (J. Ngodzo, 85th minute), C. Rupiya (T. Daka, 46th minute), W. Manondo (B. Sarupinda, 53rd minute), C. Sithole (B. Musaka, 75th minute)
E. Sibanda, R. Useni, C. Kwaramba, W. Stima, P. Shoko, P Madhazi (T. Matake, 80th minute), D. Mangesi, S. Musukuta, H. Bakacheza, S. Mhare (K. Musharu, 46th minute), L. Masveure
Online Reporter