Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
CAPS United 3-2 ZPC Kariba
CAPS United survived a spirited fightback from ZPC Kariba to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory, with Ishmael Wadi’s late penalty proving decisive in an entertaining Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter.
CAPS United took a 1-0 lead into half-time against ZPC Kariba after Ishmael Wadi’s well-taken strike separated the two sides in an entertaining opening 45 minutes.
The visitors threatened first in the fifth minute when Charles Munyanyi found himself with only CAPS United goalkeeper Wallace Magalane to beat, but the shot-stopper reacted sharply to parry the effort away.
Recently appointed ZPC Kariba coach Expense Chitukutuku’s influence was evident early on, with the visitors displaying a patient passing game as they sought to control possession.
The Green Machine came close to breaking the deadlock in the 25th minute when Kudzai Chigwida rose highest to meet a Davison Marowa free-kick, only for ZPC Kariba goalkeeper Future Sibanda to produce a fine save.
Two minutes later, CAPS United found the breakthrough. Bret Amidu won a battle against Collen Muleya and Edmund Ruwo before threading a defence-splitting pass into the path of Ishmael Wadi. The forward shrugged off his marker and unleashed a powerful strike that gave Sibanda no chance, putting CAPS United 1-0 ahead in the 27th minute.
CAPS United could have doubled their advantage in the 35th minute when Delic Murimba found himself with only the goalkeeper to beat, but the midfielder failed to convert from close range.
The hosts went into the break holding a slender lead.
The Green Machine resumed the second-half on the front foot and nearly doubled their advantage in the 50th minute when Future Sibanda produced two outstanding saves in quick succession to deny Davison Marowa and Wadi.
Two minutes later, Wadi thought he had grabbed his second goal of the afternoon after beating Sibanda, but celebrations were cut short when the assistant referee raised his flag for offside.
ZPC Kariba’s persistence paid off in the 56th minute when Ishmael Muroiwa applied the finishing touch from a corner kick to draw the visitors level at 1-1.
The parity lasted only five minutes. CAPS United responded immediately as Wadi turned provider, unselfishly setting up Takunda Benhura, who calmly finished in the 61st minute to restore the hosts’ advantage.
However, the visitors refused to go away. Second-half substitute Kudzai Ngwende capitalised on a mistake by CAPS United goalkeeper Wallace Magalane in the 68th minute, tucking the ball home to make it 2-2 and set up a tense finale. Ngwende, however, could not continue and was later stretchered off due to injury.
With the match seemingly headed for a draw, CAPS United were awarded a penalty in the 87th minute after a handball inside the box. Wadi stepped up and converted confidently in the 90th minute to complete his brace, giving Sibanda no chance and putting the hosts 3-2 ahead.
The striker’s afternoon ended on a sour note, however, as he was shown a second yellow card deep into stoppage time, forcing CAPS United to finish the match with 10 men.
Despite the late dismissal, Wadi’s decisive penalty ensured Takesure Chiragwi marked his return to the CAPS United dugout with maximum points, while ZPC Kariba were left to rue missed opportunities after twice fighting back to level the contest.
CAPS United head coach Chiragwi said it was a dramatic victory and expressed delight with the result.
“It was dramatic today. We were honoured to achieve this result. Coming from four games without a win, there was a lot of pressure. But the second goal and the third goal show the character of this team. We kept on fighting,” said Chiragwi.
He said the teamwork displayed by his players made the difference despite costly individual mistakes during the match. “We made a very big blunder. But at the end of the day, there is teamwork and spirit. All the players, I give them credit. They really want to win. When they make silly mistakes, you have to understand them and keep motivating them. That is how we end up winning in the last 10 minutes.”
Meanwhile, Chitukutuku said his side lost the match despite putting up a strong fight.
“I give credit to the guys. Coming from a win, they tried to find another win today. Unfortunately, we lost at the last minute of the game. We are going to work on our defensive side. That’s where the factor is,” said Chitukutuku.
The victory leaves CAPS United level on points with Hardrock and Scotland at the top of the table on 31 points, although Hardrock remain top due to a superior goal difference.
