Debated goal helps Caps overcome Whawha

Patrick Chitumba in Gweru
CAPS United put up a spirited second-half performance as they came back from behind to edge struggling Whawha 2-1 at Ascot Stadium yesterday.

League top goal scorer William Mound and Clive Rupiya were on target for the Green Machine, with Butho Phiri getting Whawha’s face-saver. The prison wardens were the first to hit the target, with Phiri tapping the ball home from a cross whipped into the box by Evidence Mawanda after 15 minutes of play.

Whawha controlled proceedings after that goal but heartbreakingly taking turns to waste opportunities that could have helped them extent the lead over Caps who were lethargic in defence. Mawanda, Raymond Horonga and Calum English Brown all came near in quick succession, but failed to beat Tonderai Mateyaunga who was left exposed in most instances.

Caps United made changes to their defence at the break, introducing Marshal Machazane for Lincoln Mangayira to steady the back line. They then grabbed their equaliser from Manondo on 51st minute before substitute Rupiya sealed the win 10 minutes later. The match was however, halted for about 10 minutes as Whawha protested what they felt was a goal, when Raymond Horonga’s well-taken effort from inside the box was overruled by referee Lawrence Zimondi.

Horonga’s strike hit the under-side of the crossbar and appeared to have crossed the line on the bounce before being cleared back into play by Mateyaunga. Assistant referee Piason Zvekuonera signaled for a goal but the main referee Zimondi overruled it.

With this result, Whawha remain stuck at the basement of the log standings, while Caps United now go into the Chibuku Super Cup fixtures with their nerves calmed. Whawha coach Luke Petros was disappointed with how the match was handled.

“It’s such things that disadvantage teams that are fighting relegation. We tried hard but the goals we conceded were all questionable. It’s these kind of events that demoralise youngsters. This is the second time at home where we have gone to suffer the consequences of some decisions. It’s sad but we leave to fight another day,” Petros said.

His counterpart, Lloyd Chitembwe was pleased with the outcome, though admitting that his opponents were tactically superior.

“We played a team that is so motivated considering that they were winning at home and even picking points away. At the end of the day we are satisfied with the result and we move on. If the ball hits the net, then it’s a goal but if it didn’t then it’s probably not a goal. That’s my view of the game. These things happen I’m football,” he said.