Chicken Inn FC............. (1)2
Manica Diamonds .......(1)1
A LATE strike from second half substitute Rahim Binwell Katinji helped Chicken Inn secure maximum points as they beat Manica Diamonds 2-1 at Luveve Stadium yesterday.
The Malawian international struck home from close range in the 90th minute to ensure that the Tonderayi Ndiraya mentored Chicken Inn side collect all three points as the game looked poised for a draw.
The winner was a result of brilliant work from George Majika and Michael Charamba, with the latter sending a cross which the Gem Boys’ goalkeeper, Geofrey Chitsumba punched onto Katinji’s path for him to slot home.
The Gamecocks were the first to break the deadlock in the fifth minute through Majika.
Majika found the back of the net with a brilliant volley from just outside the box to give the Tonderayi Ndiraya mentored Chicken Inn side a brilliant start to the game.
However, the celebrations were short lived as the Gem Boys’ skipper, Lawrence Masibera leveled matters.
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The right back, headed home from close range in the 12th minute from a corner kick.
Speaking after the match, Ndiraya said it was relieving to finally get a win after back to back defeats in their previous two matches.
The reigning coach of the year said it was a desperately needed victory for the Gamecocks.
“It was a sweet win. We really needed this win. When we played our first game at our fortress, we lost to Hardrock and it was a very painful defeat. Today we really needed to make amends, and i am happy for the boys and the whole system.
“It had been long before we tasted victory, we were coming from a two-match consecutive defeats. It was really hitting hard on us and i didn’t expect the players to express themselves but credit to them, they showed good confidence. I am happy that they fought to get the maximum points, we really badly wanted this win,” he said.
His opposite number, Hebert “Jompano” Maruwa believes they should have gotten something out of the game.
“We did everything to get something out of the game. A point was okay for us, playing away from home against a good team. I am happy with the way the guys responded after my arrival. It’s work in progress,” said Maruwa.
Moments after putting Chicken Inn in front, Majika came close to doubling the lead with another long range shot which went over the bar.
It was before Masibera caught the home side napping and slotted home to tie the game.
Towards the stroke of half time, Majika attempted an overhead kick inside the box but failed to properly connect with the ball.
Five minutes after resumption in the second half, a dipping shot from Michael Charamba was tipped over the bar by the Manica Diamonds’ goalkeeper, Geoffrey Chitsumba for a corner kick which went to waste.
Sefu Ngono got yet another glorious chance for Chicken Inn but his shot from outside the box went over the bar.
In the 65th minute, Majika attempted a shot from the edge of the box but his effort went over the bar.
Five minutes later, Charamba squared the ball to Innocent Masiwa but the latter couldn’t properly connect with the ball.
Teams:
Chicken Inn:
- Bernard (gk), A. Mumbango, S. Ngono, T. Hukupembe, M. Charamba, I. Mabunu, J. Makunike (T. Chiwunga, 53 mins), T. Joseph, G. Majika, N. Hapmo (R. Katinji, 53mins), I. Masiwa (L. Chikuhwa, 87mins).
Manica Diamonds:
- Chitsumba (gk), A. Ndlovu, P. Shumbaimwe, A. Rupane, P. Kaseke, L. Masibera, M.Maziriri (F. Banda, 67mins; D. Zulu, 87mins), N. Mpinduki, C. Teguru, A. Chivandire (K. Chitukutuku, 52mins), L. Manzunzu
Results
FC Platinum 1-1 Highlanders
CAPS United 0-0 Ngezi Platinum
Simba Bhora 2-0 Bulawayo Chiefs
ZPC Kariba 1-1 FC Hunters
