Online Reporter
Onward Gangata in Gweru
TelOne 1-2 Chicken Inn
BRIAN Muza was the difference maker at Ascot Stadium in Gweru yesterday, scoring twice to hand Chicken Inn a 2-1 victory over TelOne in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash.
The win lifted the Gamecocks to ninth place with 30 points from 26 matches, offering fresh hope of a strong finish to a season that began poorly. TelOne’s consolation came from Washington Navaya, who netted his 13th goal of the campaign.
It was Chicken Inn’s third away triumph this term, following earlier victories against Dynamos and Kwekwe United. Coach Joey Antipas hailed the result as a turning point for his team.
“This is a fantastic victory for us, third time for us winning this season after a slow start,” Antipas said.
“TelOne were brimming with confidence after the win over Highlanders last week, but tactically we were superb. We could have scored more, but I’m proud of the boys. To win these kind of games, you need to put your bodies on the line, and they did just that. We’re still in the mix and will take it game by game.”
Chicken Inn controlled the first-half, pinning back the hosts who relied on counter attacks. In the 22nd minute, Mpumelelo Bhebhe thought he had given them the lead after connecting with Muza’s free kick, but the goal was ruled offside.
Three minutes later, Muza appeared to be fouled inside the box by Eriya Mafirenyika. Assistant referee Mlungisi Matutu flagged for a penalty, only for centre referee Mhaka Magare to overrule him.
The breakthrough finally came in the 38th minute when Muza, left unmarked, tapped home from close range.
After the break, Chicken Inn nearly doubled their advantage when Walter Vuwa intercepted Prince Milanzi’s poor pass but dragged his shot wide.
Navaya pounced midway through the second-half, punishing goalkeeper Donovan Bernard’s error to level the score. But Muza had the last word, striking the winner eight minutes from time after outpacing the TelOne defence.
While Antipas celebrated, TelOne coach Herbert Maruwa was left frustrated.
“It’s three points dropped. I’m very disappointed. The goals we conceded were very silly goals, we could have done better,” he said.
Teams
TelOne: Tapiwa Chilenga, Pawell Govere, Tafadzwa Jaravani (Leeroy Murape 46’), Eriya Mafirenyika, Frank Makarati, Prince Milanzi, Nkosiyabo Masilela (Elton Chikona 65’), Bruno Mtigo, Calvin Chigara (Milton Chimedza 46’), Tawanda Macheke, Washington Navaya.
Chicken Inn: Donovan Bernard, Xolani Ndlovu, Mpumelelo Bhebhe, Itai Mabhunu, Irvine Munkombwe, Walter Vuwa (Brendon Rendo 55’), Lincoln Mangaira, Malon Mushonga, Joseph Tulani, Lynoth Chikuwa, Malvin Whata.
