The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube Sports Correspondent
Chicken Inn ……………………………………………..… (1) 2
Flame Lily ………………………………………………..… (0) 1
TWO goals from new signings Edmore Chirambadare and Mitchelle Katswairo either side of the break gave Bulawayo Castle Lager Premier Soccer League side Chicken Inn a winning start over a fighting Flame Lily at Luveve Stadium yesterday. The visitors replied through substitute Motion Mponda and although the Zimbabwe Prison Services side never gave up, as they wasted the numerous chances that came their way.
Former Tsholotsho FC striker Chirambadare scored what could turn out to be the fastest goal of the season when he found the nets barely 40 seconds after kick-off when he took advantage a languid Flame Lily defence, taking advantage of a loose ball for the kill.
The goal did not put a damper on the visitors’ spirit as they nearly leveled the scores 10th minutes into play when Prosper Chinyama found Webster Muronda but instead of the latter shooting at goal with the home side’s goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze at his mercy in a crowded penalty area, he threaded the ball to Gift Phiri. Phiri’s effort was blocked for a corner, in a wasted glorious chance for the league debutants kick.
The two teams were evenly matched after the breather but it was Chicken Inn who surged ahead in five minutes into the second stanza when Katsvairo made use of a Chirambandare rebounder to slot the ball into the nets.
Five minutes later Mponda, who had just come in for Muronda headed the ball past Chipezeze off a corner with his first touch of the ball.
Although both sides made several attempts to increase their tally, they took turns to miss, with Chirambadare being denied on two occasions by Flame Lily goalkeeper Earnmore Hamandishe while Ashley Ganya and Mponda also fluffed chances at the opposite end.
Chirambadare, who nearly missed the game due to incomplete paperwork and Katsvairo formerly with FC Platinum, proved to be wise-buys for Chicken Inn as they combined well upfront.
Game Cocks coach, Joey Antipas was delighted with the win, saying they had aimed for a good start which they hope to build on while Flame Lily coach, Nesbert Saruchera, was full of praise for his lads for putting up a gallant fight until the final whistle.
Meanwhile, FC Platinum were lucky to salvage a point against Dongo Sawmills in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at Mandava Stadium, Zvishavane yesterday.
In a match in which they dominated, the Rusape-based league newcomers took the lead in the 7th minute through Physwell Madhazi.
FC Platinum got it right in the 24th minute when Kadoma-based referee Josiah Masinira pointed to the spot and the man of the moment Walter Musona sent the Dongo goalkeeper the wrong way.
However, Dongo were ahead in the 80th minute thanks to a stinger from a goal mouth melee by Blessing Dzumbunu.
Donald Ngoma then made sure that FC Platinum got a share of the spoils when he scored in injury time.
