Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS Utd…….. 0
FC Hunters…. (1) 1
IT must be OVER for CAPS United now in the championship race.
Of course, it’s never over until it’s mathematically impossible, but it’s hard to see the Green Machine recovering from this setback.
For them to be champions, it would mean CAPS winning their remaining all their TEN games and Scottland losing half of their remaining TEN games.
And, that too, will also require Hardrock, who won 2-0 yesterday to cut Scottland’s lead to seven points, Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Triangle, losing a number of their matches.
The Green Machine were left frustrated by the resilient Premiership newboys who capitalised on an early defensive lapse, with Godfrey Dabga’s superb ninth-minute strike proving enough to secure all three points.
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, felt the result was hard on his team.
“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.”
The defeat completed a miserable season for CAPS United against the Premiership newcomers, who had held them to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture.
FC Hunters have now collected four points from Makepekepe in their maiden top-flight campaign.
Makepekepe remain fifth on the table and now trail leaders Scottland by 13 points with just 10 matches remaining.
Ironically, FC Hunters are a sister club to Scottland, meaning yesterday’s victory was also celebrated in Mabvuku.
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 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.
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.CAPS United coach Chiragwi introduced Uchizi Vunga for ineffective holding midfielder Hachiro at the start of the second half to improve creativity upfront.
FC Hunters coach, Nesbert Saruchera, said:.
“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.”
Teams
CAPS United: Washington Arubi, Nyasha Gurende, Chitoshi Chinga, Nyasha Chigwida, Lloyd Njaliwa, Tanaka Shandirwa (Malcolm Banisi 83rd min), Richard Hachiro (Uchizi Vunga 46th min), Tinotenda Meke (Takunda Banhura 68th min), Chawanangwa Kaonga, Obriel Chirinda (Junior Bunjira 68th min), Chris Mugalu.
FC Hunters: Moreblessing Phiri, Vusa Ngwenya, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Junior Meya, Delight Gandari, Tadiwanashe Huni, Elder Chirima, Emmanuel Zinyama, King Nadolo (Brighton Christopher 29th min, Tamuka Chipango 85th min), Michael Tapera (Mafious Chihweta 46th min), Godfrey Dabga (Russell Chifura 46th min).
