Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Herentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Chicken Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
EIGHT years later, Herentals have finally broken their win-less streak against former champions Chicken Inn.
Not only did they end the “curse,” but the Students also extended their winning run with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Joey Antipas’ side at Rufaro yesterday.
Ralph Kawondera sealed the win eight minutes into stoppage time, capitalising on a lapse in concentration by the visitors that caused chaos in the box. He tucked home a John Zhuwawo cross to snatch all three points.
Coming off a crucial away win against Manica Diamonds, Herentals have now collected six points in two games, reviving hopes of a top four finish.
Head coach Celestino Benza praised his team for finally beating the Gamecocks.
Since their promotion to the top flight in 2017, Herentals had never defeated Chicken Inn.
“I am very happy and excited that finally we have managed to break the long standing jinx that has existed since our promotion to PSL,” said Benza.
Determined to collect maximum points, Herentals dominated from kick-off, forcing Chicken Inn to sit deep.
But despite their early control, the Students failed to make their chances count. Their attackers fluffed several clear opportunities.
Eric Dombo, the hero in their last match, was guilty of missing two good chances.
Around the half hour mark, Chicken Inn started to settle, but like their opponents, they couldn’t carve out clear chances in the final third. The second half remained a balanced contest, with both sides threatening without managing to break through.
Coach Benza made a tactical change in the 65th minute, bringing on John Zhuwawo for Innocent Benza.
It paid off, Zhuwawo delivered the decisive assist for Kawondera’s late winner.
“This win means that we are within track in our aim to finish in the top four this season. However, although we are not really looking into the title race, bagging it will be a perfect bonus,” added Benza.
On the other end, Chicken Inn head coach Joey Antipas was visibly frustrated, saying his players threw away a valuable point.
The loss, he admitted, could seriously affect their hopes of avoiding relegation.
“We were hoping to sneak a point away from home but unfortunately it did not happen . . . we lost it in the last minute after our goalkeeper went down with injury and obviously our boys panicked,” he said.
“I thought we did well especially in the second half but we just didn’t have the cutting urge. If we do not concentrate and focus up to the last whistle, one gets punished and that is what happened.”
Peter Tanyanyiwa