CAPS UNITED . . . . . . . . (0) 1
HIGHLANDERS . . . . . . . . . .0
NYASHA Chintuli emerged as the hero of the day at Rufaro Stadium yesterday, unleashing a thunderous second-half strike that propelled Caps United to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over struggling giants Highlanders.
The win saw Makepekepe bounce back in style after their midweek defeat, leaving Highlanders' woes to deepen.
The match, a captivating display of Zimbabwean football, was a tight affair with both sides battling for supremacy in the midfield.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between, but it was Chintuli who seized the decisive moment.
Sent clean through on goal by the ever-influential captain Phenias Bamusi, the striker showcased nerves of steel, blasting the ball into the roof of the net with an unstoppable finish that sent the Caps United faithful into raptures.
Caps United coach Ian Bakala, a picture of relief and satisfaction, lauded his team's resilience.
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"Today, I saw the fighting spirit from the players," he beamed.
"We've been creating chances but not converting, so I'm just happy they executed our plan. Three points are crucial for us in this game. Credit to the players; they fought hard. Despite a shaky first five minutes, we dominated, which is good for the team. Now we forget this and focus on the next game."
Highlanders caretaker coach Try Ncube, however, cut a dejected figure.
"A disappointing result," he admitted. "We started well, had a better first half. We made one error, and once they scored, it was always going to be difficult. The boys' confidence is low now. We had those half-chances in the beginning, and we should have capitalised. The longer it stayed 0-0, the more susceptible we were to one mistake, and that's exactly what happened," Ncube said.
Bosso are ninth on the log standings with 28 points, the same as Caps United in 10th place, due to a better goal difference.
The visitors had the first sniff at goal when Mvelo Khoza delivered a teasing corner kick into the box, finding Brian Mlotshwa, whose header narrowly missed the target.
Both teams continued to serve up an exciting brand of football, with end-to-end action keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Midway through the first half, Tanaka Shandirwa almost brought the stadium to its feet with a powerful shot from the edge of the box that whistled agonisingly past the upright.
Just before the break, Highlanders goalkeeper Reward Muza pulled off a stunning save with his feet, denying Kope Mugalu from close range and ensuring the teams went into halftime level.
But it was Chintuli's clinical finish in the second half that ultimately settled the contest.
Despite a late surge from Highlanders in search of an equaliser, Caps United's defence held firm, securing three valuable points and a morale-boosting victory in this fierce rivalry.
Teams
Caps United: S Kwaku, B Kangwa, B Kadamanja, C Chinga, K Mangiza, T Shandirwa (B Manhire 75'), J Bunjira (T Matindife 75'), N Chintuli, P Bamusi, B Chipanera, K Mugalu
Highlanders: R Muza, M Khoza, A Ndlovu, B Mlotshwa, R Sibanda, M Mushore (M Mushore 83'), N Rauzhi (P Ndlovu 83'), D Mukuli, H Ncube (M Ncube 54'), L Mutumbi, Chihweta
