CAPS end 10 year Barbourfields drought

CAPS United ended a decade-long winless streak at Barbourfields Stadium with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over old rivals Highlanders FC on Sunday afternoon.

The Harare giants had not beaten Highlanders at the Bulawayo fortress since 2015, making the result a significant breakthrough in one of Zimbabwe's fiercest football rivalries.

CAPS United's triumph was powered by goals from Nyasha Chigwida and Lloyd Njaliwa, who found the net in the 36th and 65th minutes respectively to secure maximum points for Makepekepe.

Highlanders, who had enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season, saw their eight-match run without defeat come to an abrupt end. The loss also marked their first setback of the campaign.

The result strengthens CAPS United's position at the top of the table, with coach Takesure Chiragwi guiding his side to 22 points, opening a four-point gap over second-placed Hardrock FC, who sit on 18.

For Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari, the defeat raises fresh concerns, particularly as it follows closely after his side's first win of the season against Chicken Inn earlier in the week.

Despite the setback, Highlanders remain among the early pace-setters, but Sunday's result will likely prompt a reassessment as the season gathers momentum.