Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS Utd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
FC Hunters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
CAPS United’s title ambitions took a massive hit yesterday after they were stunned by relegation fighters FC Hunters at Rufaro.
Godfrey Dabga’s thunderous ninth-minute strike was enough to hand the Premiership newcomers victory and the full points, as Nesbert “Yabo’’ Saruchera’s men completed a four-point haul over Makepekepe this season.
The first meeting between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw at the same venue.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities in both halves, CAPS United failed to find a way past an inspired FC Hunters defence and goalkeeper Moreblessing Phiri.
CAPS United coach Takesure Chiragwi, on whom pressure is mounting as his side have slid in the title challenge, felt the result was hard on his charges.
“It’s a tough moment in terms of the result. We played well and did everything we could, but it seems today wasn’t our day,” said Chiragwi.
“We created enough chances in the first half and probably should have gone into the break leading 3-1. Unfortunately, we couldn’t convert them.
“Even in the second half, we remained in control of the game, but the difference was the result. “We failed to defend one crucial moment well enough.
“In football, if you switch off for just a second, you get punished. They scored a brilliant goal, and we couldn’t find a way back.” More significantly, the loss further dented CAPS United’s fading title hopes.
The Harare giants spent much of the first half of the season among the title contenders but have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, while their rivals have steadily pulled away.
Makepekepe, who were the home team, remain fifth on the table but more worringly for Chiragwi and the Green army, now trail leaders Scottland by 12 points with just 10 matches remaining.
Ironically, FC Hunters are a sister club to Scottland, meaning yesterday’s victory was also celebrated in Mabvuku, amid the growing social media rivalry between Makepekepe and Mabviravira.
The visitors made a bright start and were rewarded in the ninth minute when Dabga outwitted CAPS United captain Richard Hachiro before unleashing a thunderous shot from outside the box that left veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi with no chance. CAPS United responded positively and spent long periods camped in the FC Hunters’ half, with Chris Mugalu and Chawanangwa Kaonga posing a constant threat.
Congolese forward Mugalu came agonisingly close to equalising just before half-time when he rose highest inside the penalty area, only to see his header brush the outside of the post with Phiri beaten.
Phiri, however, went on to produce a commanding performance, dealing confidently with the hosts’ aerial assaults and preserving his side’s slender advantage.
Chiragwi then introduced Uchizi Vunga for ineffective holding midfielder Hachiro at the start of the second half to improve creativity upfront. FC Hunters also reshuffled their attack, bringing on Russell Chifura and Mafios Chihweta, the latter recently having arrived on loan from Scottland.
Chifura nearly made an immediate impact when his header from a corner crashed against the woodwork.
The visitors then showed remarkable discipline and organisation to hold onto their lead, securing a crucial victory in their fight against relegation. Although they remained 14th on the table, FC Hunters moved to 24 points as they built towards safety, much to the delight of coach Saruchera.
“I think we did well. We scored early and then had to manage the lead,” said Saruchera.
“Normally, we’re not a team that sits back and defends, but credit goes to the technical team for coming up with a very good game plan.
“We were desperate for the three points, and we managed to get them. We’re very happy as the Hunters family,” he said.
Elsewhere, Hardrock eased back into second place after a 2-0 win over AGAMA in which they left it until late to find their goals at Wadzanayi in Shamva.
The seasoned pair of Prince Dube in the 80th minute, Masimba Mambare in the 85th minute secured maximum points for Hardrock, who take their points tally to 45 and one point ahead of third-placed Dynamos.
At Baobab, Triangle battled to a 1-1 draw against fourth placed Ngezi Platinum Stars, but the point did little to lift them from the foot of the table as they now have 15 and one behind 17th-placed Manica Diamonds.
In a league in which four teams get the chop, AGAMA, TelOne, Manica Diamonds, and Triangle sit in the drop zone.
