Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United……………………………………0
Scottland………………………..…………(1)1
SCOTTLAND are not giving up their Castle Lager Premiership title without a fight.
Faced with a do-or-die game, which could have all but decided their fate, played amid a cloud of controversy and negativity, Scottland powered to a win that keeps their dream alive.
“I am happy to have won at the first time of asking,” said coach Peter Ndlovu.
“What I am happy about today is perhaps not the performance itself but the way these boys were together today in everything.
“Most of the game, we came under pressure because they attacked us but we managed to sustain that and make sure that we keep our discipline.
“Of course, here and there we were open, but we will work on that. First game, we have seen our shortfalls and we are going to correct that.”
Ndlovu condemned the ugly scenes at the end of the game.
Scottland have now reduced the gap between them and leaders Hardrock to five points and they have a game in hand.
It was the first game since Scottland fired Norman Mapeza and replaced him with Ndlovu.
The build-up to the game was dominated by allegations of a match-fixing plot, which Scottland dismissed, and there was an air of tension at Rufaro. Ndlovu rang the changes and he was rewarded with a win courtesy of a powerful dive by Emmanuel Jalai.
Scottland’s ability to deliver under pressure, as they did yesterday, can define the season.
The match was handled by Kenyan referees.
A brilliant strike from Jalai seven minutes into the game settled the fixture.
The result means the race for the championship can go down to the wire and probably get to be decided on the final day of the season.
CAPS United were looking to get the victory and break into the top four as they were only a point behind fourth-placed Dynamos going into yesterday’s match.
The result went the other way though but there was no denying their determined fight.
Coach Takesure Chiragwi said:
“At the end of the day, I think they displayed very good football. We can’t say anything, but we just need to congratulate the boys for the good performance.
“They played very well from the first whistle, except for that mistake that we made in terms of tactics.
“But at the end of the day, we also need to appreciate, yes, that is part of it, but we also need to look at things that we did very well as a team, and also the effort the players are putting in.
“Then we have to congratulate Scottland for that 1-0 win.
“Lastly, I think I was disappointed, especially after the final whistle, about the discipline, in terms of the players that were involved, but the opposition fans, and also the players, they didn’t do well.
“Especially for me, as professionals, instead of them celebrating, they start provoking the opponents, which is wrong.
“At the end of the day, we want football to bring us together, to enjoy the game. After the final whistle, we shake hands together. That’s how it is in football. Families come together.”
He added:
“But at the end of the day, the game was so good, very electric, both teams, 90 minutes, they did very well, and at the end of the day, they managed to win.
“That is very good for them, and we need to move forward.”
Teams
CAPS United
Victor James, Nyasha Gurende, Ishmael Wadi (Uchizi Vunga 82nd min), Dominic Njaliwa, Richard Hachiro, Kudzai Chigwida, Kundai Benyu (Criss Mugalu 46th min), Junior Bunjira (Takunda Benhura 46th min), Obriel Chirinda (Alleny Mukombedzi 63rd min), Talent Chamboko, Davison Marowa (Brett Amidu 63rd min)
Scottland
Prince Tafiremutsa, Issaka Mohammed (Albert Manenji 45th min), Emmanuel Jalai, Nickson Nyasulu, Kwakhe Thwala, Moses Shidolo, Knowledge Musona, Mthokozisi Msebe (Abubakar Moffat 85min), Khama Billiat (Kingsley Mureremba 59th min), Anderson De Campos (Panashe Mutimbanyoka 46th min), Walter Musona
