CAPS United.. (1) 2
Hardrock FC... (0)0
Four matches, four wins.
Harare giants CAPS United appear invincible at the moment. Yesterday, they ensured their perfect start to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season remained intact with a commanding victory over Hardrock at Rufaro Stadium.
Veteran winger Ishmael Wadi put in another man of the match performance, scoring early in the first half, while youngster Alleny Mukombedzi rose from the bench for the second time this season to net a late insurance goal for Makepekepe.
The win ensured CAPS United head into the international break as log leaders.
Hardrock slipped two places to fifth after the setback with eight points from four matches.
Despite the flying start, coach Takesure Chiragwi emphasided that it is too early to celebrate winning four on the trot.
"I’m not surprised as a coach, because I don't know any coach who prepares a team to lose or draw. Every coach wants to win, so when you do, you're satisfied," Chiragwi told journalists. "But what is key now is to remain focused. It’s too early to celebrate; there is nothing to celebrate yet. It’s just a phase we are winning, and we have to ensure we utilise this momentum."
He added: "What is important is that we don’t sleep on this. We have important games coming up and we need to concentrate more so we can keep collecting maximum points."
On the other side, Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu bemoaned poor defending as their downfall in a match he felt his side otherwise dominated.
"I think it’s the way we defended today. Conceding within two or three minutes, especially against a team in form, makes it difficult to come back," Kaindu said. "Even for the second goal, we were the team in possession. We lost it from a throw-in, they managed to get a cross in, and it was a goal similar to the first. As a coach, I've seen enough to know where we need to start improving."
CAPS United took the lead just two minutes into the match. Brett Amidu threaded a through ball to Obriel Chirinda, whose shot crashed off the upright, allowing Ishmael Wadi to tap in the rebound.
It was the first goal Hardrock had conceded all season.
From there, it was end-to-end, entertaining football. Chirinda had a glorious chance to double the lead following a mix-up at the back.
He took a shot on the volley with only the keeper to beat; his effort struck the crossbar, bounced on the line, and back into play, sparking protests from players who felt the ball had crossed the line.
At the other end, Wallace Magalane had to be alert to punch away a dipping Nigel Matinha free-kick late in the half as Hardrock pushed for an equaliser.
Fourteen minutes into the second half, Navaya missed a golden opportunity to restore parity.
He reached a Tinotenda Muringai cross from the left, but a heavy first touch pushed the ball away, allowing Magalane to charge out and smother the chance.
Hardrock keeper Tonderayi Mateyaunga then produced an outstanding save to deny Wadi’s brilliant volley on the turn, tipping the ball around the post.
CAPS United finally ended the contest with six minutes remaining. Alleny Mukombedzi reacted quickest to head home a rebound after another Wadi effort had crashed off the crossbar.
Squads
CAPS United: W Magalane, K Chigwida, C Chinga, N Gurende, T Shandirwa (D Njaliwa 46'), R Hachiro, B Amidu (D Marowa 64'), C Kaonga (T Benhura 80'), K Chando, I Wadi (T Meke 90'), O Chirinda (A Mukombedzi 64').
Hardrock FC: T Mateyaunga, M Gavaza, T Muringai, M Diro-Nyenye, M Ngwenya, M Bamara (J Makunike 78'), N Dlamini, L Nyilenda, S Simelane (T Mashaireni 78'), W Navaya (W Madzungu 64'), Nigel Matinha (D Mudadi 67').