CAPS UNITED . . . . . . (0) 2
MWOS . . . . . . . . . . . . .(0) 2
LOG leaders Caps United narrowly avoided a setback in their title charge, snatching a late point in a pulsating 2-2 draw against resilient 10-man MWOS FC at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.
In a match that swung both ways, a last-gasp header from substitute Talent Chamboko ensured Makepekepe maintained their grip on top spot, escaping what looked like a shock defeat.
Coming off the emotional high of a Harare derby win over Dynamos on Sunday, Caps United looked fatigued against a disciplined MWOS side coached by Lloyd Mutasa.
The match came alive in the 73rd minute when Takunda Benhura put the hosts ahead, just five minutes after MWOS were reduced to 10 men following a second booking for Godfrey Manase.
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With a man advantage and a goal up, Caps United were expected to close out the match, but MWOS had other ideas.
Substitute Billy Veremu levelled in the 85th minute, bundling home after good work from Valentine Katsande, before producing a stunning turnaround moments later.
From about 35 yards, Veremu unleashed a powerful strike that flew into the net, giving the 10-man visitors a shock 2-1 lead and silencing the Rufaro crowd.
Just when the upset looked sealed, Caps United struck back in the dying seconds. Substitute Kennedy Mupomba delivered a pinpoint corner, and Chamboko powered in a header to salvage a 2-2 draw.
Caps United coach Takesure Chiragwi admitted fatigue from the derby played a role.
"We knew it was going to be difficult because of the last game. The players were exhausted after the high-intensity derby on Sunday,” he said.
“We wanted to contain them, but there was a lapse in concentration in defence. I understand the fatigue, but I am happy with the spirit. They didn’t want to lose.”
Mutasa, meanwhile, praised his side’s resilience despite the disappointment.
“We told ourselves Caps United haven’t beaten us. Even a man down, we took the lead through resilience. You can’t blame the boys; football is a game of mistakes, and we will learn,” he said.
Despite the scare, the point kept Caps United at the summit of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League with 26 points from 12 matches.
The draw was softened by results elsewhere, as rivals Hardrock dropped points at home to Highlanders.
Hardrock remain second, now two points behind the leaders. While the performance lacked its usual sharpness, Caps United’s fighting spirit ensured they remain pace-setters heading into the next round.
Results
Hardrock 0-1 Highlanders
Caps United 2-2 MWOS
Agama 1-2 Scottland
Ngezi 1-1 TelOne
Manica Diamonds 1-1 Hunters
ZPC Kariba 0-1 FC Platinum
Chicken Inn 1-0 Simba Bhora
Triangle United 2-2 Bulawayo Chiefs