malvernmugadzikwa
Innocent Kurira in BULAWAYO
Bulawayo Chiefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)2
CAPS United . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
BULAWAYO Chiefs forward Obriel Chirinda had one of his best games in the team’s colours, as he scored the brace that helped Amakhosi Amahle edge 10-man CAPS United in a Castle Lager Premiership Soccer League match at Luveve Stadium yesterday.
Chiefs capitalised on CAPS United midfielder Blessing Sarupinda’s expulsion to ensure maximum points.
Chirinda opened his account with a beautiful curling effort from outside the box, two minutes after the break.
He would get his second after 61 minutes, striking home a Brian Rusinga pass from the right.
The visitors got their consolation goal from Clive Rupiya 10 minutes before full-time.
The match appeared evenly balanced up until former Zimbabwe youth international Sarupinda was sent off two minutes before half-time for a crude tackle on veteran midfielder Danny Phiri.
Makepekepe came close to finding the breakthrough via a header inside the box from Innocent Zambezi in the 19th minute.
The defender connected a Godknows Murwira cross from the right but could not find his range.
On the half-hour mark, Zambezi delivered a cross from the left that caught William Manondo napping, and the normally reliable CAPS United striker could still not take the chance.
Despite having fallen a man and two goals behind, CAPS United forced their hosts into a nervy finish, as they dominated the final stages of the game.
Chiefs’ victory also ensured a winning start for their new coach Joseph Sibindi, who took over following Lizwe Sweswe’s departure.
It is also a second successive defeat for CAPS United in Bulawayo since they were forced to switch base due to the temporary suspension of the National Sports Stadium.
Lloyd Chitembwe’s men suffered an identical 1-2 defeat to old rivals Highlanders in a Battle of the Cities clash at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday last week.
Teams:
Bulawayo Chiefs:
I Ali, K Sibanda, B Nyahunzvi, M Msebe (N Ncube 70’), A Ncube, O Chirinda (N Gama 70’), B Rusinga, D Phiri, M Gasela, F Moyo, F Matare (B Vheremu 76’).
CAPS United:
A Reyners, G Murirwa, I Zambezi, H Chapusha, K Madzongwe, P Musaka (C Rupiya 38’), B Sarupinda, J Tulani, P Bamusi (T Rusike 77’), I Nyoni, W Manondo (J Daka 77’).
■ @innocentskizoe
Online Reporter