CORRECTIONAL Queens revived their Zimbabwe Women Premier Soccer League title hopes with a commanding 3-0 win over Caps United Royals at Wagadhugu Stadium in Chikurubi on Saturday.
Kudzai Chiparaushe starred with a brace in the 27th and 85th minutes, while Erina Jeke added the third in the 69th minute to seal the victory.
Referee Grace Ndlovu booked Correctional’s Thandekile Mandava for unsporting behaviour just before halftime, while Caps Royals’ Tasha Dube was cautioned in the 56th minute for stopping a promising attack.
Correctional Queens coach Tsitsi Shiri said her side delivered as expected after starting the season with a walkover win.
“We were itching to show what we are made of after collecting three points in the first match on a walkover,” Shiri told NewsDay Sport.
“The plan is to stay grounded and push for the league title after finishing second last season.”
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Caps Royals coach Perkins Nyamutamba praised his team’s resilience despite the defeat.
“The team played well and thwarted numerous Correctional raids; it could have been a disaster,” Nyamutamba said.
“Our goal is to stay afloat in the league. This is our debut season, and the girls are adapting to the demands of top-flight football — they are learning every week. With the break approaching, we are looking to beef up the squad and compete for the remainder of the season.”
The win lifts Correctional Queens to second on the log with six points, level with Chapungu Queens and Platinum Royals but behind on goal difference. Chapungu top the table with a +12 goal difference after a 5-1 win over Mpopoma Sports Academy, courtesy of a Panashe Ganje hat-trick and a Passion Chihwena brace. Chiedza Khumalo scored Mpopoma’s consolation.
Defending champions Herentals Queens sit fourth with four points after a 5-0 win over Cranborne Royals. Bethel Kondo scored twice, while Natasha Benza, Linnet Zembe and Sharon Jenje were also on target.
Elsewhere, Chegutu Community Queens came from behind to thrash Conduit Soccer Academy 5-1 at Pfupajena Stadium. Elsie Gutsa gave Conduit an early lead before Alice Makoni equalised. Rutendo Rubaya, Nyaradzo Sanaweni and Plaxina Bandason completed the comeback for the league debutants.
MATCHDAY 2 RESULTS
Black Rhinos Queens 1-1 Kwekwe United Queens
Cranborne Royals 0-5 Herentals Queens
Correctional Queens 3-0 CAPS United Royals
Rise of Hope Academy 1-2 Rufaro Starlets Academy
Mpopoma Sports Academy 1-5 Chapungu Queens
Platinum Royals 1-0 Harare City Queens
Chegutu Community Queens 5-1 Conduit Soccer Academy.