Caps United . . . .. . . (0) 1 Hwange . . . . . . . . . . (1) 2 Erick Chipeta scored a spectacular free-kick three minutes from time as Hwange inflicted fresh misery on Caps United in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at a packed Gwanzura Stadium yesterday.
Zambian defender Aaron Katebe gave the visitors a deserved lead in the 42nd minute when his powerful header from a corner-kick eluded goalkeeper Muzondiwa Gonese. But Caps United cancelled the goal two minutes into the second half when Leonard Fiyado, making his debut for the waning Harare giants, hit the target from close range after Shingi Kawondera had flicked the ball over outdrawn Hwange goalkeeper Timothy Sibanda. Kawondera appeared to have been in an offside position when he received the ball and Hwange players, led by Sibanda, protested against the goal. Hwange players pushed and shoved Rusape-based referee Robert Mugorosa and the police had to intervene. Hwange coach Nation Dube also moved in to calm his players as the situation threatened to explode. After at least three minutes of the scuffle, the match resumed with Sibanda getting away with just a yellow card. The match appeared to be heading for a stalemate with both sides creating few chances although Hwange were clearly on top of the situation. Former DStv Rangers right-back Chipeta curled in a beauty from some 40 metres out to beat Gonese on the right top corner. The hosts launched a late onslaught but Hwange managed to hold on to their win. The final whistle brought a sorry sight of the Caps United supporters, some of whom gathered at the stadium’s main entrance calling for manager Sean Connor’s head while others openly wept. The result condemned Caps United to their second defeat in a row and left them in ninth position with 19 points while Hwange moved to eighth position with 20 points. Hwange technical manager Tenant Chilumba looked a relieved man after the match. His side had collected just three points from a possible 15 before yesterday’s win. “We deserved to win the match because from the word go you could see we were on top. I am very pleased because all the players from the goalkeeper, the defence, the midfielders and the strikers played very well,” said Chilumba. Connor said: “If you don’t turn up and play the match, you lose. We didn’t play well today (yesterday) and we are all disappointed to lose the match. We have to keep fighting and working hard.”
