The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
Bulawayo City 1- 3 Chapungu
CHAPUNGU boosted their survival chances in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League with a well deserved victory over Bulawayo City at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
A brace by the outstanding Blessing Sahondo, his first goal coming straight from a corner kick and an injury time header by Allen Tavarwisa saw Waru-Waru move to number eight on the log with 40 points. Amakhosi are in danger of being relegated as they are sixth from bottom got their consolation goal from Ishmael Wadi.
Bulawayo City coach, Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu was a disappointed man with his side now sinking into the relegation zone when at some stage during the season they were safely in the top eight.
“Very disappointing, maybe as a coach considering the goals we conceded, the first one at this level, straight from the corner kick, maybe the experienced goalkeeper lost it, they took the lead first half. It’s just unfortunate that we have dug ourselves in the mud in the relegation zone,’’ Mpofu said.
Chapungu coach, Tendai Chikuni said team work won it for them on the day they threw in a couple of youngsters who brought in the much needed energy into the team.
“We knew that Bulawayo City, it’s a strong team, we knew very well we are in the same boat where we are fighting relegation and definitely for us, those teams which are following us if we manage to get three points it’s a plus for us,’’ Chikuni said.
Chapungu were the better team from the start with their reward coming a minute before the end of the first half when the pint-sized Sahondo put them in the lead. Sahondo scored directly from a corner kick which Bulawayo City goalkeeper Ndodana Sibanda failed to deal with.
The visitors were two nil up in the 74th minute, Sahondo at the end of a brilliant pass by Tavarwisa, picked up his spot to blast the ball past an exposed Sibanda. Bulawayo City scored their only goal in the 77th minute, Wadi heading in a cross from Morris Kadzola. Sahondo turned provider a minute into the referee’s optional time, his corner kick brilliantly headed in by Tavarwisa to complete the rout.
Meanwhile, the Castle Lager PSL fixture between ZPC Kariba and Chicken Inn, which was meant to be played yesterday, will now take place today at 10am. This was caused by the waterlogged Nyamhunga Stadium pitch. Elsewhere, Yadah FC remained mired in relegation mix after losing 0-1 to How Mine at Rufaro. Yadah are still three points away from safety.
Teams
Bulawayo City: Ndodana Sibanda, Andrew Tandi, Nyasha Mukumbi, Newman Sianchali, Clive Rupiya(Moyo 59 mins), Ishmael Wadi, Munyaradzi Mungadze, Trevor Ndlovu, Heritein Masuku(Ncube 59 mins), Rainsome Pavari(Damson 78 mins), Morris Kadzola
Chapungu: Roy Mazingi, Charles Mativenga(Machingami 54 mins), Ricky Bota, Blessed Mbavarira, Collen Kwaramba, Emmanuel Chitauro, Osborne Mukuradare, Allen Tavarwisa, Blessing Sahondo(Ncube 90+4 mins), Ian Nyoni(Marufu 88 mins)
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