CHICKEN INN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
NGEZI PLATINUM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
CHICKEN INN claimed their first home victory of the season when they beat former champions Ngezi Platinum Stars in an uninspiring Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at Luveve Stadium yesterday.
Defender Mpumelelo Bhebhe showed his colleagues upfront how to score after he received the ball in Ngezi Platinum’s penalty box following a defensive mix-up on the part of the visitors and poked the ball past goalkeeper Tendai Chirara.
It was Chicken Inn’s third win of the season in 16 games, after beating Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium and Kwekwe United at Bata Stadium. The other games constitute seven draws and five defeats.
They have one outstanding match, the abandoned tie against Scottland FC in Harare, which awaits a PSL disciplinary hearing.
The win was not of much help to the Gamecocks, who are now on 16 points and still wallow in the danger zone, ahead of the Bulawayo derby against Highlanders at Barbourfields on Sunday.
Coach Joey Antipas was thrilled over the win.
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“It’s like taking a monkey off your back. We have not been doing well of late so it was a big relief to win our first home game. We had to do it the ugly way. They play a free-flowing game so we had to disrupt all their movements. We did very well tactically. We are just hoping that this result will give us a lift. The team played well, gave their all and they were rewarded," Antipas said.
Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi conceded defeat.
“We lost, we take it. I think that's how it is in football. We were in control of the game since the first half. We tried everything to get behind the net; it was very difficult. We did everything. If you lose this way sometimes you don't have to do anything but just appreciate the guys for the effort they put,” Chiragwi said.
Substitute Ashwin Chirengesha came close to restoring parity for Ngezi Platinum in the 68th minute after he was sent through by captain Obriel Chirinda, but had his beautiful effort denied by goalkeeper Donovan Bernard.
George Majika fired a cracker from the left wing in the 11th minute narrowly missing the right upright post, the first meaningful attack by Chicken Inn.
First shot on target for visiting Ngezi Platinum came 10 minutes before half-time but Malvin Gaki’s shot from the edge of the penalty box was punched away by goalkeeper Bernard.
Ngezi Platinum are up against log leaders MWOS at Ngoni Stadium at the weekend.
Teams
Chicken Inn: D Bernard, G Mutungamiri (B Muza 81'), Brighton Makopa, J Tulani (B Rendo 27'), X Ndlovu, D Jaricha, I Mabhunu, G Majika (T Muchenje 74'), M Charamba (A Chinda 74') M Bhebhe, L Mangaira
Ngezi Platinum: T Chirara, Kaseke, G Chirwa, K Chigwida, T Munemo (A Karengesha 46'), Katumba, M Eddisone (T Benhura 64'), O Chirinda, T Chamboko (Q Amini 64'), M Gaki (M Mukumba 64'), L Kashitigu (F Madhananga (46')
