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CROWD FAVOURITE . . . CAPS United striker Kelvin Bulaji goes into the stands and joins his side’s fans in celebrating yesterday’s narrow victory over Chapungu United at Rufaro

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
CAPS United ………………….. (1) 1
Chapungu…………………………… 0
HARARE giants CAPS United continued with their fine run at Rufaro yesterday when they edged Chapungu but their coach Taurai Mangwiro once more expressed reservations about the turf following injuries to two of his players.

The Green Machine made two forced substitutions when they pulled out new signings Nicholas Alifandika and Honey Chimutimunzeve in the second half with knocks.
Despite the injuries, Mangwiro was happy with his team’s performance as they bounced back to winning ways courtesy of an own goal by the Gweru airmen’s defender Charles Mativenga, who beat his goalkeeper with a miscued header 27 minutes into the game.

The visitors never threatened despite coming with their tails up following a morale-boosting 3-0 rout of high-flying ZPC Kariba during the mid-week. Their coach John Nyikadzino, however, felt they were not treated fairly by the match officials yesterday.

CAPS United were facing Chapungu for the second time in a week and their confidence was understandable following the crushing 3-0 win over the same side in the first round of the Chibuku Super Cup.

It was also sweet revenge for the Green Machine who lost 3-0 to the Gweru airmen in the reverse fixture at Ascot back in June.
Mativenga, the man who provided the assist for the first goal on that forgettable afternoon for the Green Machine, was the fall guy yesterday when he made a slight touch with his head while trying to keep out a corner by Moses Muchenje.

Mangwiro was nonetheless happy with the win despite a subdued performance by his players and a couple of missed chances in both halves which could have given them a comfortable win.

Makepekepe, who dropped crucial points during the midweek following the goalless draw at Shabanie Mine, remained fourth on the log standings with 37 points, two behind leaders Dynamos.

“We needed to have gotten three points. Hard earned victory, it was. We had expected them to come out fighting of which they did but overall I think we did well.
“We are very much in it. The good thing is we still have to play some of the teams that are chasing the championship. It was important for us to win and stay within touching distance of the leading pack. We have Bantu Rovers coming next and if we can get a victory away from home the better for us.

“We know there aren’t easy games any more. Teams are vying for the championship and others are fighting to survive relegation. Interesting times, we have to brace ourselves but the good thing is we are right on track,” said Mangwiro.

CAPS United were denied the lead in the 12th minute when Alifandika met a cross from Hardlife Zvirekwi but his close range header came off the post.
They then forced two corner kicks in succession and from the second one Mativenga, who was stationed at the near post, had the slightest of touches with his head and the ball changed direction into his own nets.

But there were no clear-cut chances for both teams thereafter until the 45th minute when Tendai Samanja tried from a distance but the shot went wide. CAPS United were forced to pull out Chimutimunzeve at the restart and then Alifandika with about six minutes remaining.

“I heard he (Alifandika) has a knock on the ankle. Let’s just hope he will be able to shake it off. I don’t know the degree of seriousness at the moment. But like what I said previously. You saw Honey struggling towards the end of the first half and we had to substitute him.

Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino blamed his team’s defeat to “biased officiating”.
Nyikadzino felt his charges had a better outing compared to the last trip to Harare in the Chibuku Super Cup.

“I am not happy with the chances we failed to utilise but overall the performances was good. Compared to last time (in the Chibuku Cup), the boys came to the party. It’s unfortunate we couldn’t score. We should not have conceded the own goal. We now look to the next game. This one is now water under the bridge,” said Nyikadzino.
Teams

CAPS United: T. Dube, H. Zvirekwi, R. Pfumbidzai, S. Makatuka, G. Nyirenda, T. Samanja, T. Mahori (T. Khumbuyani, 58th minute), M. Muchenje, N. Alifandika (D. Mukandi, 84th minute), H. Chimutimunzeve (L. Fiyado, 46th minute), K Bulaji

Chapungu: A. Useni, C. Mativenga, W. Ngonya, L. Kim, C. Kwaramba, N. Murisa, R. Mhlanga (G. Phiri, 79th minute), M. Mavuto, C. Murisa (P. Marufu, 46th minute), V. Bangira, B. Mugoni (C. Maheya, 68th minute)