Rhinos dump CAPS United

Black Rhinos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1 Caps United . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

THE resurgence of army side Black Rhinos under club legend Stanford “Stix’’ Mtizwa continued when they sent CAPS United crashing out of the Chibuku Super Cup following a first-round tie at Vengere Stadium yesterday.

Mtizwa was recalled to the Rhinos dressing room following the sacking of Herbert Maruwa.

Since his return, “Chauya Chipembere” are still to taste defeat.

And, as if to rub salt into the wound, it was experienced defender Dennis Dauda who helped pile misery on his former team when he dribbled past three CAPS United defenders to set up his captain Farai Banda with an inviting cross, which he connected with aplomb.

Dauda was one of the players that were fired by CAPS United after an industrial action that had threatened to derail the former Cup Kings.

The former ZPC Kariba man has since found a new home at Rhinos, where he is trying to make the most in the twilight years of his career.

Yesterday, he was instrumental in the win by providing the assist in the goal that separated the two sides.

Yet CAPS United had the upper hand in the first half, carving out some good chances, but they could not breach the hosts’ defence.

Speedy Phineas Bhamusi came close in the 11th minute but his effort from an Emmanuel Mandiranga’s cross went over.

Congolese national Eli Ilunga’s bicycle-kick inside the box after 18 minutes also flew over the post, as Rhinos searched for a breakthrough of their own.

Then came Dauda’s moment.

He created space for himself on the right wing in the 37th minute, weaved his way past his former teammates and flighted the ball into the box.

Banda, ghosting in from left, met the cross with a well-struck shot past a hapless Tonderai Mateyaunga.

Premiership leading scorer William Manondo had his shot tipped over by goalkeeper Blessing Mwandimutsira towards the end of first half.

After taking the lead, Rhinos congested the midfield in the second period and thwarted efforts CAPS United made in search of an equaliser.

Clive Rupiya gave the home side some anxious moments with his pace but could not find the target.

He had a good attempt in the 55th minute, which was thwarted by Mwandimutsira.

Rupiya was back again in the 65th minute when his flashing header went wide.

Rhinos had a strong penalty appeal turned down two minutes from time when defender Valentine Musarurwa appeared to have pushed down Prince Milanzi.

Milanzi had the ball and was facing the goalkeeper; however, referee Tichaona Mbire, who had a good show, was not convinced.

For Mtizwa, it was the way his players soaked up CAPS United’s pressure which impressed him.

“The boys played so well, especially in the second half, where they managed to protect our lead.

“It was a tough-cup game between to big teams and we are happy to have progressed to the next stage,” said Mtizwa.

A dejected CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe was not keen to discuss much.

“We lost, so I do not have much to say. The boys did well but we lost,’’ he said.