CAPS UNITED.................(0)0
CHICKEN INN.................(1)1
WARRIORS goalminder Donovan Bernard put up a sterling performance in goals for Chicken Inn as they beat CAPS United 1-0 at Bata stadium yesterday.
While Bernard made brilliant saves, particularly in the first half, Itai Mabhunu's 43rd minute goal was all the Gamecocks needed to get their season winning momentum underway.
It was a sweet victory for three ex-Makepekepe employees, coach Fungai Kwashi, players Lincoln Mangayira and Joseph Thulani, who started for the Bulawayo side.
CAPS United, though, were in fine fettle in the opening exchanges, dominating in all respects.
The Gamecocks, on the other hand, were slow and were often found wanting in central midfield where Danny Phiri and Innocent Mucheneka lacked speed.
Makepekepe, however, had themselves to blame as they failed to hit the target in the first 15 minutes as Ian Nyoni whipped in perfect crosses into the box.
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Bernard was the difference, as he repelled good efforts from Rodwell Chinyengetere and William Manondo in the 16th and 20th minutes.
The Gamecocks slowly clawed back into the game and they converted their first meaningful chance on the 43rd minute via Itai Mabhunu who headed George Majika's curling cross beyond Ashley Reyners.
Joey Antipas' men kept the slender lead going into the half-time break and they held on until full-time.
In addition, there was nothing to write home about in the second stanza.
Antipas was not pleased with how his mean played despite winning their first match of the season.
"It's the first game of the season, we struggled in the first 20 minutes. Thanks to Donovan Bernard who kept us in the game. He made some good saves for us and that was very important for us. At the moment, there is honestly a lot of work to do. The team is up and everyone is happy," he said.
"I'm just pleased we got that confidence booster by winning the match. For now, we go back and work hoping to improve from this match."
His counterpart, Lloyd Chitembwe was disappointed by his men considering the number of chances they failed to convert.
"We missed a lot of chances, but I was happy that we created those chances because that is the most important part," he said.
"Of course, we were not able to score because of the goalkeeper's brilliance but we were able to create those chances.
"Everyone is showing the right signs. We lost, but there are very good signs from every part of the team. We will just continue working because this was just the first match."
CAPS UNITED: A Reyners,G Murwira, I Zambezi, E Manokore, D Chafa, R Kawondera, I Nyoni(L Chiwunga 68'), W Makuva, W Manondo(J Bakare 85'), R Chinyengetere
CHICKEN INN: D Bernard, M Hwata(C Augusto 64'), L Mangaira, I Mabunu, D Phiri, T Joseph, G Mutungamiri(B Muza 46') I Mucheneka( B Rendo 68'), G Majika(B Mpofu 83'), X Ndlovu, A Chinda
