Chapungu win five-goal thriller
while David Gumbo and Kelvin Bingala scored for Gusha Bhora.
It was Mutare City who went in front after 15 minutes when Gumbo blasted home a free kick from outside the box.
That lead did not last long as Chapungu levelled 12 minutes later through Mtigo. The Gweru side took the lead in the 36th minute courtesy of bustling striker Tavarwisa but four minutes later, Mutare City equalised through Bingala.
The gifted Nyoni then scored what turned out to be the winner for Chapungu five minutes from the breather to leave coach Tendai Chikuni a relieved man. “We needed to be very cautious as we were coming from a defeat and unfortunately we conceded two silly goals.
“It was a game of two halves in which we started on a low foot but overall I was very impressed with how the youngsters performed today (yesterday),” said Chikuni.
Mutare City gaffer Joseph “Shabba” Takaringofa was disappointed with how his boys lacked concentration at crucial moments.
“It was a disappointing show from my boys, we lacked concentration and I would like say we are learning but it is through the hard way.
“The way we conceded was very disappointing and despite us playing away from home we should maximise on home matches. It would have been better if we had managed at least a point,” he said. Harare City 1-0 Bulawayo City Black Rhinos 2-0 ZPC Kariba Mutare City 2-3 Chapungu FC Platinum 2-0 Yadah FC Nichrut 0-0 Chicken Inn
Today’s Fixtures
Dynamos v Shabanie (Rufaro) Herentals v Highlanders (NSS) Bulawayo Chiefs v Caps United (Luveve)
Triangle v Ngezi (Gibbo) CHICKEN INN coach Joey Antipas blasted referee Thabani Bamala for “biased officiating” after his side played out a goalless draw against Premiership debutants Nichrut at Ascot yesterday. A furious Antipas implored the Referees Committee to reprimand below par referees whom he said were spoiling the game.
“We dominated the game for large periods but due to unforeseen circumstances we were just blocked. Whenever we had the ball or whenever we were going for a 50-50 tussle the decision went against us. That’s not football, this is the beginning of the season, let’s be fair,” thundered Antipas.
“The Referees Association should speak to their referees because they are spoiling it, please don’t spoil football.”
The draw left Chicken Inn on four points but Antipas, who guided Chicken Inn to their maiden championship in 2015, is refusing to have the championship contenders’ tag slapped on his team.
“Whoever touted us (for the title) should carry on whilst we concentrate on our game. We have just played two games, combinations are coming up but talking about the championship now is premature,” he said.
Nichrut coach John Nyikadzino, whose side has now picked up four out of six points, acknowledged that it was difficult playing against Antipas’ well drilled Gamecocks.
“Playing against Chicken Inn and managing a draw is no mean feat and I am happy with the result. We played better in the first half but in the second half Chicken Inn were throwing everything at us.” said Nyikadzino.