Scottland FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)2
Caps United FC . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)0
THE National Sports Stadium roared back to life in spectacular fashion yesterday, hosting its first football match in three years.
In what served as a magnificent dress rehearsal for the venue’s full grand opening following extensive renovations, a bumper crowd of over 20 000 fans turned up, creating a vibrant, carnival atmosphere.
With the giant stadium on the verge of receiving clearance to host international matches again, the high-profile encounter did not disappoint. The VIP tribune matched the energy on the stands, graced by the First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa and Kaizer Chiefs manager Bobby Motaung, among other high-profile figures.
While Caps United suffered a defeat on the afternoon, the Green Machine will comfort themselves with the fact that they will continue to use the vastly improved facility as their home ground.
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It was a frantic, breathless start to the match. Caps United could have been ahead just seconds after kick-off when Takunda Benhura missed a guilt-edged chance, failing to convert an inch-perfect cross from Nyasha Gurende down the left flank.
The visitors were instantly made to pay for their profligacy. In the 8th minute, a beautiful team move by Scottland culminated in Khama Billiat setting up former Warriors captain Knowledge Musona with a clever back-heel.
The veteran forward controlled beautifully and expertly slotted it home at the near post.
Before Caps United could even regroup, they were caught on the break just three minutes later. A brilliant through-ball sliced open the Makepekepe defence, finding man-of-the-match Panashe Mutimbanyoka.
The forward showed immense composure to round goalkeeper Wallace Magalane and roll the ball into an empty net to double the lead.
The Green Machine took time to get going and looked disjointed despite dominating possession for the remainder of the half. They failed to trouble Nelson Chadya in goal for Scottland.
Hoping to spark a comeback, Caps United made a tactical switch at the break, bringing onTinotenda Meke for Chawanangwa Kaonga.
However, little changed in the second half. Scottland continued to look the more dangerous side, and it was the hosts who could have added more goals through Billiat and the outstanding Moses Shidolo.
The victory in this high-stakes match has completely blown the title race wide open. With the win, Scottland leapfrog into second place on the league standings, tied on 28 points with league leaders Hardrock. The defeat caps a miserable afternoon for Makepekepe, who slumped to fourth from second, level on points with third-placed Herentals and their weekend conquerors.
Scottland FC head coach Norman Mapeza was happy with the three points.
“It was not an easy game for us. We played against a very good team, quality players, very organised. What carried us today were those two goals and how we defended today. The defensive game was very, very solid because we restricted Caps United from taking some shots on target,” he said.
“Although I think the second half, in terms of position-wise, we knew they were better than us. But look, those things do happen in a game of football . . . I’m happy for the boys. These two past games have been very difficult for us. But look, what is important for us now is to stay grounded, keep working hard, and take the game as it comes,” he added.
Caps United assistant coach Ian Bakala rued the early defensive lapses for the defeat.
“We started very well. We had the chance to score. Later on, we conceded those two quick goals, which I think made the game change. Looking at games like this, it’s a game that makes you win the league. We conceded those goals and effectively gave them the game from the first half until halftime. We also had our moments, which we just need to correct.”
Team Line-ups
Scottland FC: Nelson Chadya, Peter Muduhwa, Kwakhe Thwala, Kevin Moyo, Moses Shidolo, Mthokozisi Msebe (Taimon Machope 90'), Issaka Mohammed, Walter Musona (Nathan Mutasa 90'), Panashe Mutimbanyoka (Emmanuel Ziocha 90'), Khama Billiat (Terrence Dzvukamanja 78'), Knowledge Musona (Kingsley Mureremba 65').
CAPS United: Wallace Magalane, Wesley Milanzi, Nyasha Gurende, Kudzai Chigwida, Ishmael Wadi, Junior Bunjira (Phineas Bamusi 74'), Richard Hachiro (Junior Banisi 74'), Lloyd Njaliwa, Chawanangwa Kaonga (Tinotenda Meke 46'), Takunda Benhura, Bret Amidu (Kundai Benyu 61').