Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira At Barbourfields Stadium
Chicken Inn 0-1 Scottland
SCOTTLAND extended their lead at the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over a struggling Chicken Inn side at Barbourfields Stadium. The narrow win deepened the Gamecocks’ relegation concerns while reinforcing Scottland’s growing reputation as title favourites.
The match was decided early, with Tymon Machope scoring his 13th goal of the season in the sixth minute, thanks to a well-placed assist from Khama Billiat. Despite the early blow, Chicken Inn remained determined, frequently attacking down the right flank through Brandan Rendo and Marlon Mushonga, who posed a consistent threat to the Scottland defence. Chicken Inn had a penalty appeal dismissed and missed several clear chances, the most notable being Lyonyh Chikuhwa’s effort that sailed over the bar.
On the counter, Scottland’s attacking trio of Billiat, Machope, and Walter Musona kept the pressure on, with Musona’s dazzling footwork drawing audible admiration from the crowd.
At the final whistle, jubilant scenes erupted in the Scottland camp, who now sit four points clear of second-placed Simba Bhora with 59 points. Meanwhile, Chicken Inn remain on 33 points and face an increasingly perilous battle to avoid relegation.
Scottland head coach Tonderai Ndiraya expressed his delight at finally securing a win at the venue after two previous unsuccessful attempts.
“The quality in our squad helped us manage the game. Scoring early was key; we knew it would be hard for them to come back. It was important for us to break our poor run here, and I’m really proud of the players,” he said.
Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas lamented his side’s inability to convert chances.
“There weren’t many chances in the game, but the few that did come mostly fell to us — unfortunately, we failed to convert. In this league, if you don’t bury your chances, you get punished, and that’s exactly what happened today. For us, the struggle continues,” he said.
