Rhinos dumps Gamecocks again
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IT was a classic case of deja vu as Black Rhinos put aside their league struggles to send Chicken Inn out of this year’s Chibuku Super Cup.
In the previous competition, the two teams met in quarter-finals at Vengere Stadium and Rhinos prevailed.
It was a similar story at Luveve Stadium yesterday.
Malvern Hwata thrust Chicken Inn into a 37th-minute lead before Rhinos rallied back with a 66th-minute leveller by Valentine Katsande.
There was late drama as Katsande completed his brace deep into added time to ensure Rhinos became the first team to secure a semi-final berth following the lunch-time kick-off, which was punctuated by water breaks to allow players to cool off from Bulawayo’s searing heat.
Rhinos have only managed four wins and eight draws from 24 games in the Premiership race and are second from bottom with 20 points.
However, the soldiers yesterday found their rhythm.
Chaminuka could also have every reason to believe that their sensational come-frombehind 2-1 win over Manica Diamonds in the league was a turning point for his team.
Rhinos are still not safe in a league, where four teams are demoted at the end of the season.
But in yesterday’s match, they did not lose heart and dominated proceedings despite conceding early on.
They had to wait until 21 minutes into the second period for their industry to pay off when Katsande cancelled Hwata’s opener, which came off a defensive blunder by the Rhinos’ rearguard.
In scoring his second and Rhinos’ winner, Katsande benefitted from a low cross from striker Lot Chiwunga.
He showed composure as he controlled the ball, beat his markers and released a powerful volley that also beat the referee’s full-time whistle.
Chaminuka said they were now targeting success in the Chibuku Super Cup.
“I am really excited. God willing, we will play in Africa, which is a dream among the boys, and I am confident that we will play in the African safari next year,” Chaminuka said.
“I am happy that the boys showed character and picked themselves up and came from behind to win the match.”
Gamecocks coach Prince Matore was left a disappointed man.
“I do not have much words to say; I am really disappointed,” Matore said.
“It is a painful defeat. We expected a win and we fought for it but we failed to progress.
“I think we should have killed the game in the first half but our conversion was poor and we have ourselves to blame.”
Chicken Inn had their moments and thrice struck the woodwork.
Genius Mutungamiri was the first to hit the crossbar after seven minutes.
He would meet the same fate five minutes after the break.
Shepherd Mhlanga’s effort also crashed against the woodwork late in the second half.
Teams: Chicken Inn:
P Zendera, M Hwata, M Charamba (O Malajila 85th minute), M Bhebhe, R Hachiro, N Ketala, G Mutungamiri (George Majika 70th minute), L Lunga, S Mhlanga, I Mabunu, B Muza (T. Kutinyu 70th minute)
Black Rhinos:
L Gonese, C Nyakope, G Saunyama, T Mchisi, D Mutimuzunze, N Mhlanga (K Nyakudanga 51st minute), G Dematsika, A Gahadzikwa (S. Chikwerengwe 70th minute), V Katsande, L Chiwunga, E Katema.