Rhinos dehorned

Don Makanyanga

Black Rhinos…………………..1

Chapungu……………………….2

Chapungu came from a goal down to secure a 2-1 victory over Black Rhinos, ending an eleven match winless streak and denting Black Rhinos’ title hopes.

Moses Demera put the hosts upfront in the 30th minute but a minute into the first half’s additional time, his strike was cancelled off by Maxwell Mavuto.

Brighton Mugoni sealed victory for the Gweru-based side in the 76th minute.

This was Chapungu’s first victory since May 16 when they beat Caps United at the same stadium.

From the first whistle, lady luck was not on Black Rhinos’ side as they failed to utilize the numerous chances that came their way in the first ten minutes.

It took some time for the visitors to settle, a development that Rodwell Dhlakama attributed to fatigue.

The hosts’ raid into the visitors’ half finally paid off when Moses Demera put Chauya Chipembere into the lead five minutes before the break, connecting to a Franciso Zekumbawire cross.

However, the lead was short lived as Chapungu equalised a minute into the first-half’s injury time, with Maxwell Mavuto beating his marker on the edge of the box, before curling in a well-struck shot with his right foot to restore parity.

Tables turned for Black Rhinos in the second half as they were forced to defend deep as Chapungu began to find rhythm in their attack, led by former Dynamos and Caps United midfielder Denver Mukamba.

The mesmerising Mukamba was unlucky not to have his name on the score sheet after his close range shot was blocked a minute after the resumption of the second half.

Mugoni increased the visitors’ lead in the 76th minute when he came to the end of Mavuto’s cross from the left flank.

It was a painful defeat for Black Rhinos coach Hebert Maruwa, who refuses to throw in the towel despite seemingly losing the touch with every passing week.

“It is a painful defeat for us and we need to be consistent if we are to win. We are still in it, but we need to start winning games,” said Maruwa.

Dhlakama, who was all smiles after the match, said despite watching his side trailing, he remained confident of victory.

“I was not worried when we went a goal down. I knew we would come back and win, and it is a big win for us considering the number of matches that we had gone without a victory,” said the soft-spoken gaffer.