Online Reporter
Onward Gangata
Kwekwe United 2-4 Chicken Inn
A second-half masterclass by Brighton Makopa turned despair into delight for Chicken Inn, as the striker netted four sensational goals to propel the Gamecocks to a stunning 4-2 comeback victory over Kwekwe United in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League showdown at Bata Stadium.
At half-time, Chicken Inn looked dead and buried, trailing 2-0 after goals from Farai Mutatu and Mbongeni Minezhi had given the Gold Boys a seemingly commanding lead.
But Makopa had other ideas.
The prolific striker erupted after the break, delivering a breathtaking performance that not only snapped Chicken Inn’s four-match winless streak but reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the league’s most lethal forwards.
It was Chicken Inn’s first victory since edging Dynamos 1-0 at Rufaro Stadium in mid-April.
A visibly relieved Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas praised his team’s character.
“I am a very happy man. From the jaws of defeat, we came up with a victory,” said Antipas.
“It was a game of two halves. Kwekwe controlled the first. We gave them too much space, and from two chances, they scored twice.
We’ve been playing well in previous matches, but it was just the odd goal we were lacking. It’s good when you go through a dry spell and finally win. I hope we continue with the positive results.”
The Gamecocks began the match brightly, dominating possession and pushing forward with intent. However, they were undone after just 10 minutes when Mutatu smartly stuck out a leg to turn in Nyasha Saungweme’s cross, giving Kwekwe the lead against the run of play.
Despite Chicken Inn continuing to control much of the play, Kwekwe United were happy to sit deep and hit on the counter.
Mutatu nearly doubled the lead late in the first-half with a header that went just wide, before Chicken Inn’s Lincoln Mangaira fired over with their best chance of the half.
The home side was then awarded a penalty on the stroke of half-time after a foul on Mutatu. Mbongeni Minezhi’s spot kick was initially saved, but he reacted quickest to tuck away the rebound, sending the Gold Boys into the break two goals up.
The second-half, however, belonged to one man, Brighton Makopa.
He pulled one back moments after the restart, curling in a fine finish after a clever move down the left. Minutes later, he rose highest to head in the equaliser from a corner.
The Gamecocks surged forward with renewed energy, nearly taking the lead on the hour mark when Brendon Rendo shot wide from a Michael Charamba cross.
Makopa would not be denied. In the 70th minute, substitute George Majika picked him out, and he calmly slotted home his third. He then sealed an unforgettable performance with a close-range finish eight minutes from time.
A dejected Kwekwe United stand in coach, Beknown Mhlaingena, struggled to hide his disappointment.
“It is so disappointing. After taking such a lead, we told the boys to keep fighting, but when Chicken Inn scored their first, our players went flat, and it became difficult for us,” lamented Mhlaingena.
TEAMS:
Kwekwe United: Lennon Gonese, Andile Taruvinga (G. Sibanda 90+), Brian Kativhu, Robert Muchara, Jealous Masukutwa, Allen Gahadzikwa (W. Ncube 76), Masimba Mambare (C. Makekera 76), Tafadzwa Muzenda, Nyasha Saungweme, Farai Mutatu, Mbongeni Minezhi (T. January 61).
Chicken Inn: Donovan Bennard, Genius Mutungamiri (T. Muchenje 78), Brighton Makopa (K. Nyamutenha 90+), Joseph Tulani, Xolani Ndlovu, Dominic Jaricha, Nielson Ketala, Michael Charamba (T. Mashaireni 63), Mpumelelo Bhebhe (G. Majika 46), Brandon Rendo, Lincoln Mangaira.
