The Sunday News
Nkosilathi Sibanda at Luveve Stadium
Chicken Inn 2-0 Greenfuel
THE game needed a special moment to cap a special afternoon at Luveve Stadium when Chicken Inn’s Michael Charamba took time to take a deep breath inside the box, compose himself and struck a powerful shot, for what is a contender for a goal of the month.
The 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Soccer Star finalist beat Greenfuel’s goalkeeper, Nedrick Madeya for the second Chicken Inn goal in a match that the hosts controlled.
It was in the 36th minute that Charamba scored the second goal, to help the Gamecocks collect maximum points in front of their home fans.
Brighton Makopa had scored the first goal for Gamecocks.
Prior to yesterday’s match, Chicken Inn had never scored at home this season, only managing to find the target in Gweru against CAPS United in a 1-0 win, also in a two-all draw against FC Platinum.
Yesterday, they came right and scored twice.
In six games, the Gamecocks have only conceded three goals, to leave them at a plus three goal difference.
Courtesy of the positive result, Chicken Inn assistant coach, Fungai Tostao Kwashi said the boys deserved a good weekend and should soak in the moment as it is back to serious business on Monday, when they start their derby preparations.
“Up next is Highlanders, a difficult game for us, but at the end of the day, the guys deserved their win today, they should go home and enjoy with their wives and families. On Monday it’s back to work,” said Kwashi.
He added that their players showed hunger yesterday and deserved to finally win in front of their home fans, who have been longing for it.
“The guys came to the party, they wanted it from the word go, you could see in the bus when we were on the way and even in the morning when they woke up, you could tell with their attitude that today is going to be a winning day.
“They were up for it, they were hungry, they worked hard for the club and the fans. We hadn’t gotten a win for our home fans yet and today was their first win and may that continue,” he said.
The visiting coach, Rodwell Dhlakama said it was a tricky encounter for his charges and Chicken Inn’s early breakthrough unsettled them.
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“It was a very difficult game for us, considering the fact that we conceded in the second minute. That unsettled us and when we tried to chase the game they got the second goal, so pressure was upon us to try and salvage something from the game.
“We came back in the second half with a little bit of organisation in defence and better ball rotation,” he said.
It was a dream start to the game for the Joey Antipas mentored Gamecocks as Makopa struck as early as the second minute. Soon after the first whistle, Makopa found the back of the net from close range, to put the home side in front.
In the 15th minute, striker Brian Muza took a long range shot, which Greenfuel goalkeeper, Madeya tipped over the bar for a corner kick. Ten minutes later, Itai Mabunu thought he had doubled the lead for the hosts, but his goal was disallowed for an infringement on a Greenfuel player. A spectacular shot from Charamba was to make it two for the Gamecocks in the 36th minute. Just after the stroke of the hour mark, Makopa missed a glorious chance for Chicken Inn. He was put through on goal, but his effort was saved by Madeya.
Just before full time, Makopa got yet another chance to complete his double, but failed to capitalise once again in front of goal. It was to be the last real chance of the game and the Gamecocks left a happy lot while the travelling Greenfuel supporters were visibly angry and blocked players from getting into the bus.
Teams
Chicken Inn: D Bernard, B Muza (O Malajila, 89mins),L Mangaira, I Mabunu, D Phiri, J Tulani, M Charamba, B Makopa, G Majika (I Mucheneka 75 min), X Ndlovu, A Chinda.
Greenfuel: N Madeya, B Chikwenya, R Uchena, M Diro, T Pfende, L Muyambo (M Bruno, 78 min), A Chivandire, M Gasela, D Ngoma(W Mapuwa, 67 min),T Meke, J Nguluve, T Meke (R Chinemo, 78 min). – @NkosieLegend
