Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere at Luveve Stadium
Chicken inn 2-1 Manica Diamonds
CHICKEN Inn coach Tonderayi Ndiraya expressed his relief after watching his side end a run of two consecutive defeats with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Manica Diamonds yesterday.
A stoppage-time winner from second-half substitute Rahim Binwell Katinji secured all three points for the Gamecocks in a match that looked destined to end in a draw.
Speaking after the match, the under pressure Ndiraya said the victory was desperately needed, especially after losing their previous two matches.
“It was a sweet win. We really needed this win. When we played our first game at our fortress, we lost to Hardrock and it was a very painful defeat. Today we really needed to make amends, and I am happy for the boys and the whole system.
“It had been long before we tasted victory, we were coming from a two-match consecutive defeats. It was really hitting hard on us and I didn’t expect the players to express themselves but credit to them, they showed good confidence. I am happy that they fought to get the maximum points, we really badly wanted this win,” he said.
The victory came courtesy of a dramatic late strike from Katinji in the 90th minute. The Malawian international was in the right place to slot home from close range after goalkeeper Geofrey Chitsumba punched Michael Charamba’s cross into his path.
Chicken Inn had made a dream start when Majika opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a superb volley.
However, seven minutes later, Manica Diamonds equalised through captain Lawrence Masibera who headed home from close range after meeting a corner kick to level matters. The Gamecocks created several opportunities to restore their lead but couldn’t capitalise in the first half.
Moments into the second half, Charamba forced the Gem Boys’ goalkeeper Geofrey Chitsumba into a fine save which resulted in a corner kick which the hosts failed to capitalise on.
Charamba continued creating chances for Chicken Inn but his brilliant crosses into the box were meeting no takers.
Chicken Inn’s persistence eventually paid off in the closing stages when Katinji struck the winner to hand Ndiraya’s side a morale-boosting victory.
Manica Diamonds coach Herbert “Jompano” Maruwa felt his side deserved at least a point from the encounter.
We did everything to get something out of the game. A point was okay for us, playing away from home against a good team. I am happy with the way the guys responded after my arrival. It’s work in progress,” said Maruwa.
This was Chicken Inn’s seventh win of the season in 22 outings as they moved to 27 points, tied with MWOS who are in action today against Dynamos at Ngoni Stadium in Norton.
The Gem Boys remain rooted second from bottom on the standings with 16 points as this was their 12th loss. – @FungaiMuderere.
