ZPC Kariba secured a vital 1-0 home victory over Chicken Inn, courtesy of a 27th-minute set-piece strike from midfielder Collen Muleya, in a tense Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter yesterday.
The win marks ZPC Kariba’s first since relieving Head Coach Newman Mashipe and Assistant Coach Newman Chitewe of their duties following a string of poor results.
Newly appointed Head Coach Expense Chitukutuku has now been tasked with steering the Kariba outfit away from the danger zone and turning their season around.
The match started on an even keel, with Chicken Inn pushing forward early on. Former ZPC Kariba midfielder Vassili Kawe looked particularly lively, eager to prove a point against his old paymasters.
ZPC Kariba opted to sit deep in the opening half, relying on Muleya to control the tempo in midfield. Meanwhile, Fanuel Shoko and Wayne Kamurai provided defensive solidarity on the flanks to neutralize a Chicken Inn attack marshalled by Tyrese Waungua.
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute. Kuzivakwashe Madima delivered a precise set piece into the danger zone, allowing the alert Muleya to slot it home and break the deadlock.
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Chicken Inn attempted an immediate response when Maxwell Masiiwa broke through the hosts' defense, but his effort went straight into the grateful arms of ZPC Kariba goalkeeper Tatenda Munditi, ensuring the hosts went into the break with a 1-0 lead.
The second half saw ZPC Kariba introduce Lynoth Chikuhwa, whose injection of pace on the left flank shifted the momentum and kept the visitors on the back foot.
However, Chicken Inn refused to back down, with Sefu Louisem creating several promising opportunities for the Gamecocks. Muleya came close to doubling his tally and sealing the match, but his powerful strike was brilliantly denied by Chicken Inn shot-stopper Donovan Bernard.
Speaking after the final whistle, a delighted Chitukutuku praised his players for their discipline and work rate.
“The boys responded exceptionally well after a difficult period. We asked them to stay compact, control the midfield, and clinical when chances came. Collen showed his immense quality from the set piece, and the backline, anchored by Tatenda, stood firm under pressure,” Chitukutuku said.
Conversely, Chicken Inn coach Tonderai Ndiraya conceded that his side failed to contain the match-winner.
“We played well, especially in the first half, but unfortunately it just wasn’t our day. Our guys simply didn't do enough to contain Collen Muleya, and he ultimately punished us,” Ndiraya admitted.
The hard-fought victory eases the immediate pressure on ZPC Kariba following their recent coaching shake-up, giving Chitukutuku a solid platform to build momentum.
Meanwhile, Chicken Inn will be desperate to rectify their mistakes and bounce back in their next fixture.