Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
Chapungu 2-0 Mutare City Rovers
CHAPUNGU coach John Nyikadzino celebrated his 75th league match in charge of the airmen with a win over Mutare City Rovers in yesterday’s Castle Lager Premiership encounter at Ascot Stadium. The airmen got their goals from man-of-the-match Allan Tavarwisa in the 65th minute before Patrick Khumbula sealed victory with a header deep into stoppage time.
The win took Chapungu’s points tally to 18 and it was also their second consecutive win at home following last week’s 2-1 dismissal of champions Chicken Inn.
Chapungu started the game with lots of purpose, but fluffed numerous chances. They could have scored as early as seventh minute when Gift Phiri intercepted a back pass and laid the ball to Aleck Marime, who blasted over with the goal yawning.
Rovers seemed content with keeping the hosts at bay, as they did not mount any attack and they were almost punished by Phiri’s cracker, which was tipped over the bar on the stroke of halftime.
The visitors were more adventurous in the second half and could have gone ahead three minutes into the second half when the Chapungu defence was caught at sea, but Roy Mazingi unbelievably shot over the bar.
Chapungu then drew first blood when Tavarwisa latched onto a loose ball in the box, shrugged off his marker, turned and blasted a hard and low shot into the far left corner of goal out of the reach of goalkeeper Phillip Nhete.
Chapungu doubled their lead deep into stoppage time when Khumbula connected Xolani Ncube’s corner with a powerful header.
Nyikadzino was elated with the win. “I am happy with the win, especially with us scoring two goals, but I feel we should have won by a wider margin had we utilised most of our chances. Going forward after two consecutive wins at home, we should build on this and collect more points in the second half of the season,” said Nyikadzino.
His Rovers’ counterpart Taku Shariwa blamed poor officiating for his side’s loss, but was confident that they would survive relegation.
“We played well, but I think referees have issues with us because clearly some of the decisions were biased. However, as a team, we have improved and I am confident we will survive relegation,” Shariwa said.