Online Reporter
Oscar Rusenga in TRIANGLE
Triangle United . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0
Caps United . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
CAPS UNITED are not blowing teams away yet, but they are winning, and that is what matters right now.
Chawanangwa Kaonga came off the bench to deliver a precise finish that secured a third straight win for the Green Machine in a Castle Lager Premiership tie at Gibbo yesterday, maintaining their perfect start and tightening early control at the top of the table.
It was a tight, uneven contest played on a waterlogged surface that killed fluency and limited chances.
CAPS did not create much. They did not need to. One clear look at the goal, one clean finish, maximum return.
For Triangle United, the picture is already worrying. Three matches played, no goals scored, no points collected, and the pressure is beginning to build.
The hosts started with more purpose, adjusting quicker to the heavy pitch and asking early questions.
Stephen Zhogi should have done better inside five minutes after getting through on goal, but Wallace Magalane reacted well to block.
Moments later, Talent Chawapiwa broke clear and was brought down just outside the box by Chitoshi Chinga, a foul that underlined CAPS’ early discomfort.
CAPS offered little going forward in the first half and failed to register a shot on target. The game needed a shift, and Takesure Chiragwi made it at the break, throwing in Junior Bunjira and Kaonga.
The change settled CAPS United.
Brett Amidu began to dictate the tempo, reading play better and winning the midfield duels that had earlier tilted towards Triangle, particularly against Tawanda Karembo who had been lively.
The breakthrough came in the 67th minute and it was as clean as it was decisive.
Amidu picked his moment and split the defence with a measured pass.
Kaonga timed his run, stayed composed, and finished without fuss.
Ironically that was CAPS United’s only shot on target.
It was, however, still enough to make the difference.
Triangle pushed late but the same problem remained. They could get into good areas, they could stretch play, but they could not find the final touch. It has now defined their opening to the season.
Chiragwi admitted the conditions made it difficult for his side to express themselves but was pleased with the response.
“It was a difficult game because of the pitch. There was too much water, and it didn’t allow us to play our normal game. I’m happy with how the boys adapted and stayed focused,” he said.
CAPS now turn to a bigger early test against fellow unbeaten side Hardrock, a match that will offer a clearer measure of where they stand.
“We need to remain calm and focused. We have a big game on Saturday.”
Triangle coach Thomas Ruzive was left searching for answers after another performance that brought effort but no reward.
“We did everything we needed to win. We were the better side but they got one chance and scored,” he said.
“We have to start collecting points now. That is the reality.”
CAPS United are still building, still short of their best rhythm but they are showing a trait that defines strong teams over a season, the ability to take games when they are there.
Triangle, who narrowly escaped relegation last season, are still searching for that moment.
Teams:
Triangle United: Panashe Nyabunga, Tatenda Mchisa, Talent Chawapiwa (Abel Chapasuka 65th min), Arnold Mawadza, Ariel Makopa, Aaron Dzangai (Tawanda Chatuluka 78th min), Enock Karembo, Aaron Zeka, Issa Sadiki (Nyasha Chintuli 65th min), Stephen Zhogi, Joel Munsaka
CAPS United: Wallace Magalane, Chitoshi Chinga, Nyasha Gurende, Kudzai Chigwida, Tanaka Shandirwa (Dominik Njaliwa 75th min), Richard Hachiro, Bret Amidu (Tinotenda Meke 88th min), Phenias Bamusi (Junior Bunjira 46th min), Junior Chando, Obriel Chirinda (Takunda Benhura 75th min), Ishmael Wadi (Chawanangwa Kaonga 46th min)
