The Sunday News
Ricky Zililo in Ndola, Zambia
Chicken Inn (Zimbabwe)…………………………………… (1) 1
Azam (Tanzania)………………………………………………… (1) 3
ZIMBABWE’S soccer league champions Chicken Inn’s lack of match fitness was exposed yesterday when they failed to defend a first half lead, to lose by a two-goal margin against Tanzanian giants Azam in Ndola.
Unhrealded 19-year-old right winger Nicholas Muchadeyi fired the Gamecocks ahead in the 28th minute hitting a beautiful volley that hit the roof of the net beating a haplessly diving Azam goalkeeper Manula Aishi Salum.
That lead only lasted four minutes as the Tanzanians drew level through skipper John Bocco who capitalised on a defensive blunder by centre back Ben Nyahunzvi who had failed to clear a seemingly harmless ball, leaving Bocco to beat the advancing Pride Zendera.
Azam’s goal seemed to take away Chicken Inn’s steam as the Gamecocks who had enjoyed ball possession in the earlier stages of the match began to play second fiddle to their opponents.
The Zimbabweans conceded the second goal from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute when Zendera brought down Kipre Tchetche in the box, with the former picking himself up to send the youngster the wrong way.
A 73rd minute headed own goal by Brian Juru who was trying to defend a corner kick under challenge all but buried Chicken Inn’s hopes of coming back into the game.
The Gamecocks coach Joey Antipas who made five changes to the starting line-up that drew 2-2 with Zanaco on Wednesday conceded defeat, saying the Tanzanians were tactically superior.
Antipas had to juggle around with his squad, starting with Guide Goddard in central defence where he partnered Nyahunzvi while pushing Moses Jackson to the right back having given Passmore Bernard a rest because of a slight groin injury.
