United win at last
CAPS United finally ended their winless run with a laboured victory over battling Herentals in a Chibuku Super Cup match at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
And it played out the same manner as in the past two matches, in which they had to come from behind to salvage the match.
The only difference is that while they struggled to secure maximum points in the last two matches, yesterday they got it right.
But they were made to fight hard and long for the victory as a determined Herentals raced into the lead five minutes into the match courtesy of a controversial penalty converted by Gibson Chinobva.
Thereafter, Herentals played like they were possessed without showing any respect for their more illustrious opponents, launching a series of raids.
However, as they have so often done, the Green Machine reorganised themselves and fought back to equalise on 21 minutes through Tinashe Balakasi.
The Caps United forward capitalised on a miscued clearance by midfielder Derick Chitsanzara to explode into the danger zone before packing the ball in the far left corner of the post.
The equaliser appeared to have spurred them on as they started to threaten their opponents with some deceptive moves.
Herentals still refused to be cowed into submission and nearly doubled their lead on 26 minutes, but Tino Benza’s wild effort missed the goalmouth.
Charles Lumbulani was also a culprit on 33 minutes when he directed his effort wide following a spectacular cross by Salif Cheya.
Caps United had goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga to thank on 38 minutes after he tipped away a superb header by Chitsanzara.
The Green Machine could, however, have doubled their lead moments later through Ronald Chitiyo whose speculative shot crashed against the upright post.
They were, however, rewarded for their tenacity with the goal coming from unlikely source — midfielder Blessing Sarupinda on 60 minutes.
Sarupinda got to the end of a cross from the left by Chitiyo to power a header into the net to ensure maximum points for the Harare giants.
More importantly it boosted their confidence going into a Harare derby against bitter rivals Dynamos.
Coach Darlington Dodo was happy with the victory.
“We had some good moments and some moments we feel we should work on but the most important thing we wanted was to grind out a result and I am happy for the boys. The result has a huge bearing for the upcoming Harare derby,” he said.
“The boys showed character to come from behind. We have been conceding in open play but today they got their goal from the penalty and after that the boys regrouped and we scored the second goal and won the match.”
His counterpart Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva conceded that they made mistakes in conceding the two goals.
“We made two mistakes in defence and conceded but overall it was 50-50. I have been telling the boys they should not be afraid of the brand name Caps United, they are at the same level,” he said. TEAMS:
CAPS UNITED: T Mateyaunga, M Nyenye, B Mpofu, C Mavhurume, T Tanaka, E Karembo, B Sarupinda, J Thulani, (G Gwara, 80’), I Wadi, R Chitiyo, (J Marufu, 80’) T Balakasi
HERENTALS: F Kuchineyi, W Chimbetu, T Benza, G Chinobva, I Benza, (N Muchadeyi, 77’), D Chitsanzara (W Kapumha, 59’), C Lumbulani (C Zimondi, 59’), K Dhlamini (T Mataranyika, 83’), S Cheya (B Majarira, 59’) F Murapa