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Curtworth Masango, Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United 1-2 Yadah Star
YADAH STARS tore up the script at Rufaro Stadium yesterday, pulling off a 2-1 upset over CAPS United in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League to breathe new life into their survival fight.
Goals from Innocent Muchaneka and Tanaka Chikumba gave the Miracle Boys a priceless victory. Love Mabiala’s stoppage time strike was no more than consolation as CAPS slumped to another costly defeat.
Yadah started with intent, Evans Rusike firing a warning shot over the bar in the 13th minute. Makepekepe’s day turned sour soon after when Bernard Chipanera limped off injured in the 18th minute, Nyasha Chintuli stepping in but heading wide with his first chance.
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute, Muchaneka’s thunderous free kick leaving goalkeeper Harmony Nare motionless.
King Nadolo almost doubled the lead nine minutes later, his strike crashing against the crossbar.
Chikumba, introduced just before the break for the injured Francis Mustafa, squandered an early second half chance but made amends in the 57th minute. Nadolo’s clever assist gave him a simple finish that put Yadah firmly in control.
CAPS rallied late, Junior Bunjira setting up Mabiala to pull one back in added time, but the striker skied a golden chance moments later. The final whistle confirmed Yadah’s triumph and CAPS’ frustrations.
Coach Takaendesa Jongwe hailed his side’s resolve.
“This time of the season, we can’t run away from the fact that we’re in the relegation dogfight. Maximum points, no matter how they come, are very important. We are happy for the three points we got, and I give congratulations to the team.”
He praised his players’ intensity and focus.
“In the second-half, CAPS came at us.
Unfortunate for us, and unfortunate for them, but we managed. The boys’ concentration was on point, and at the end of the day, we scraped through with maximum confidence.
Every win brings some relief. Today’s result gives you some peaceful sleep for a night.
For now, we’ll celebrate, but it’s just temporary. A team or a coach is not as good as his last game.”
For CAPS, coach Ian Bakala pointed to mounting injuries.
“Oh, I don’t think it was a good game. Looking at our team, we’ve been dealing with internal challenges, so many injuries, constant changes each game. For this match, we had critical injuries where some players couldn’t even play.
But even those who started proved themselves.
Right now, we’re not okay, but we have to keep working. Hopefully, next week, everyone will be available and add value.”
The result left both teams level on 28 points, CAPS sitting 12th and Yadah 13th. For Jongwe, it was a night of respite. For
Bakala, another night of worry.
Teams
CAPS United: Harmony Nare, Kangwa Bruce, Wesley Milanzi, Chinga Chitoshi, Kelvin Mangiza, Bernard Chipanera (Nyasha Chintuli 18’), Kundai Benyu, Phineas Bamusi (Junior Bunjira), Shawn Mzinde, Kennedy Mupomba (Jayden Bakari), Adam Tende (Love Mabiala).
Yadah: Taimon Mvula, King Nadolo (Donald Mlilo), Francis Mustafa (Tanaka Chikumba), Evans Rusike, Terrence Daka,
Innocent Mucheneka, Terrence Maguranyanga, Sonny Mewali, Masukuta Shingai (William Manondo), Aaron Dzangai (Marvelous Faranando), Vareta Takunda.
Online Reporter