Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
Scottland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(2)2
CAPS United . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
CAPS United dropped down to fourth for the first time this season after this defeat at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
It was a befitting game, with the befitting vibe, to re-open the giant stadium three years after its closure for renovations.
The spectators got to experience, for the first time, the modern way of attending a football match as they had their tickets scanned at electronic turnstiles while they sat at designated seats at the now 41 000-seater facility.
Of course, the facility’s renovation works are yet to be fully completed, but yesterday showed just how hard the country is putting in the work to bring the biggest stadium on land to life.
And there was life in this game, actually.
The Green Machine, now fourth on the table on goal difference, were expected to recover from their lean two-match streak in which they drew against Simba Bhora and FC Platinum.
But they undid themselves after allowing the reigning champions to get two quick-fire goals early in the half through Knowledge Musona and man of the match Panashe Mutimbanyoka.
Under the temporary guidance of assistant coach Ian Bakala, who has been standing in for Takesure Chiragwi, the Green Machine have lost a lot of ground.
Signs of fatigue looked to stick with them yesterday, especially after Ishmael Wadi failed to tap in Nyasha Gurende’s pin-point cross in the opening minute.
Just a few moments later, Scottland came flying, Khama Billiat audaciously setting up Musona with a back-heel pass.
The former Warriors captain rolled the ball in with his left.
CAPS United never realised their flaws from that incident and continued to defend with three men while Scottland had four men in attack.
Each time the Mabvuku club launched attacks, they looked dangerous with more numbers, and it was a pity they didn’t reap more goals from that tactical advantage.
But still, they did enough to earn the points, with Mutimbanyoka receiving a good through pass, though from a suspiciously offside position, to slot home Scottland’s second.
That was early. Perhaps too early. But just like that the match had been settled.
It was now up to CAPS United to first limit the damage.
And also try to get goals of their own.
They managed to tighten it at the back. But they never got to breach their opponents at the opposite end.
“We lapsed in concentration in the early moments of the game. That pretty much worked against us,” said Bakala.
“I thought we would have done better in avoiding those mistakes.
“That was never to be. We live to fight another day. We tried hard to come back into the game, but we failed to take advantage of our moments. It’s a disappointing defeat.”
The Green Machine looked to settle in, especially after conceding the second goal.
They dominated both the ball and territory, but all that never worked in their favour in the end.
Makepekepe will probably look back at this game and regret seeing such players like Takunda Benhura, Chawanangwa Kaonga and Wadi fluffing their lines.
For Scottland coach Norman Mapeza, however, the victory tasted good as they climbed to second, behind leaders Hardrock on goal difference.
Four teams are now tied on 28 points after 15 games; Hardrock, Scottland, Herentals and CAPS United, with only goal difference separating them.
Mapeza said; “It wasn’t an easy game. We were playing a highly tactical team with quality players.
“I am happy that we won. But the match was tough.”
Teams
Scottland: Nelson Chadya, Peter Muduhwa, Kwakhe Thwala, Kevin Moyo, Moses Shidolo, Mthokozisi Msebe, Issaka Mohammed, Walter Musona, Panashe Mutimbanyoka, Khama Billiat, Knowledge Musona
CAPS United: Wallace Magalane, Wesley Milanzi, Nyasha Gurende, Kudzai Chigwida, Ishmael Wadi, Junior Bunjira, Richard Hachiro, Lloyd Njaliwa, Chawanangwa Kaonga, Takunda Benhura, Bret Amidu
