The Sunday News
Ishemunyoro Chingwere
Harare City ………………………………………………………. 0
Caps United ………………………………………………… (1) 1
VETERAN striker Leonard Tsipa scored in the first minute of the match as Caps United beat Harare City and moved closer to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title at Rufaro yesterday.
The United cause was aided by Highlanders’ defeat to Tsholotsho at Barbourfields as Makepekepe stretched their lead at the top to two points. Bosso’s defeat also saw them surrendering second position to FC Platinum after the Norman Mapeza’s men won the Midlands derby against Chapungu at Ascot.
Despite the win and opening a two point gap at the top with just two matches to play, coach Lloyd Chitembwe was not impressed by Makepekepe’s show and said there was a lot of work to be done before United can start loosening the Champagne bottles.
“Yes it’s two games to go but we are taking it game by game,” said Chitembwe, “there is still a lot of work to be done in the remaining matches. Pressure is now huge but we have managed it well since the beginning of the season and I hope we will also manage it well in the final two matches. I am very happy with today’s result but performance wise I was not very impressed. What is important, however, is to continue grinding these results,” said Chitembwe.
Caps United meant serious business from the onset and when an opportunity presented itself right in the first minute, Tsipa capitalised on loose marking by the host’s youthful side heading home his 12th strike of the season off a Ronald Pfumbidzai corner kick.
Four minutes later, the sting in Caps’ attack was taken off as Tsipa suffered an ankle injury. He then tried to soldier on up to the half hour mark with a visible limp before he was replaced by midfielder Joel “Josta” Ngodzo.
Big goalie Edmore Sibanda was lucky not to see red in the seventh minute when he handled way out of his box denying City an almost obvious goal scoring opportunity.
Despite the loss, Moses Chunga said the Sunshine Boys were looking at the bigger picture which is fusing youngsters into the team and said he was happy with the way they acquitted themselves.
“We did well except with that mistake we made in the first minute and allowed them to score. We have a programme of infusing youngsters into the team and if we could get more opportunities we will field even more. I am proud of the youngsters, they showed they can mix well with the seniors. Even the goal they scored I don’t think it’s a mistake from the keeper as such because this is a player who has not played all season and what he did is to be expected.”
Teams
Harare City: K Shangiwa, A Chiveya, H Chapusha, D Mawere, T Chimwemwe, J Chipangura, T Tumba, R Chitiyo, E Madhanhanga, G Kufandada (R Manuvire 66th), S Muneka (B Maglasi 78th)
Caps United: E Sibanda, H Zvirekwi, R Pfumbidzai, S Makatuka, D Dauda, K Nyamupfukudzwa (D Chafa 75th), M Muchenje, P Bamusi (T Rusike 58th), S Nhivi, D Chungwa, L Tsipa (J Ngodzo 31st).ww
