Sports / Soccer
Caps United tighten grip on summit
4 hrs ago |
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Caps United 1 - 0 TelOne FC
CAPS United FC strengthened their title credentials with a narrow 1–0 victory over TelOne FC at Rufaro Stadium yesterday, a result that sends the Green Machine to the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table.
Takunda Benhura scored the decisive goal in the 38th minute, finishing off sustained pressure after good link-up play in the box to secure all three points for the Harare giants.
The win sees CAPS United move to 19 points after eight matches, extending their lead to two points at the summit after rivals Hardrock were held to a 2–2 draw by Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Head coach Takesure Chiragwi said the result mattered more than performance, acknowledging that his side did not play at their usual fluid level but showed resilience when it mattered.
"It was a very important win for us… at the end of the day, if you get the win, it can give you more confidence," he said.
He also praised his defensive unit and goalkeeper for holding firm under late pressure from TelOne.
TelOne coach Herbert Maruwa, meanwhile, expressed frustration at his side's inability to capitalise on opportunities, especially after a slow start that saw them concede at a crucial moment.
"We need to improve our mental strength because we are conceding at crucial moments," he said.
The match itself was closely contested. CAPS United started strongly, with TelOne goalkeeper Takudzwa Chikosi producing key early saves to deny Chawanangwa Kaonga. TelOne also threatened, with Innocent Muchaneka forcing a fine stop from CAPS United's goalkeeper from distance.
TelOne came closest to equalising in the second half when Tawanda Macheke's header struck the post, but they were ultimately unable to break down a disciplined CAPS United defence.
With six wins, one draw and only one defeat so far, CAPS United are emerging as early-season title contenders, while TelOne continue to search for consistency in the opening phase of the campaign.
Teams
Caps United: W. Magalane, B. Kadamanja, N. Gurende, K. Chigwida, T. Chamboko (T. Meke 66'), M. Makuwe (K. Benyu 46'), R. Hachiro, B. Amidu (D. Njaliwa 65'), C. Kaonga (O. Chirinda 85'), T. Benhura, I. Wadi (A. Mukombedzi 66')
TelOne: T. Chikosi, L. Murape (N. Masilela 54'), B. Mtigo (D. Teguru 46'), B. Matebeck, I. Muchaneka, T. Macheke (E. Chikona 87'), N. Masuku (C. Chigara 46'), C. Nyakope, Z. Ruguchu, J. Chipangura (F. Mutatu), F. Makarati
Results
FC Platinum 2-2 MWOS
Hardrock 1-2 Ngezi
Agama 2-2 Simba
Triangle United 2-0 Manica Diamonds
CAPS United FC strengthened their title credentials with a narrow 1–0 victory over TelOne FC at Rufaro Stadium yesterday, a result that sends the Green Machine to the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table.
Takunda Benhura scored the decisive goal in the 38th minute, finishing off sustained pressure after good link-up play in the box to secure all three points for the Harare giants.
The win sees CAPS United move to 19 points after eight matches, extending their lead to two points at the summit after rivals Hardrock were held to a 2–2 draw by Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Head coach Takesure Chiragwi said the result mattered more than performance, acknowledging that his side did not play at their usual fluid level but showed resilience when it mattered.
"It was a very important win for us… at the end of the day, if you get the win, it can give you more confidence," he said.
He also praised his defensive unit and goalkeeper for holding firm under late pressure from TelOne.
TelOne coach Herbert Maruwa, meanwhile, expressed frustration at his side's inability to capitalise on opportunities, especially after a slow start that saw them concede at a crucial moment.
"We need to improve our mental strength because we are conceding at crucial moments," he said.
The match itself was closely contested. CAPS United started strongly, with TelOne goalkeeper Takudzwa Chikosi producing key early saves to deny Chawanangwa Kaonga. TelOne also threatened, with Innocent Muchaneka forcing a fine stop from CAPS United's goalkeeper from distance.
TelOne came closest to equalising in the second half when Tawanda Macheke's header struck the post, but they were ultimately unable to break down a disciplined CAPS United defence.
With six wins, one draw and only one defeat so far, CAPS United are emerging as early-season title contenders, while TelOne continue to search for consistency in the opening phase of the campaign.
Teams
Caps United: W. Magalane, B. Kadamanja, N. Gurende, K. Chigwida, T. Chamboko (T. Meke 66'), M. Makuwe (K. Benyu 46'), R. Hachiro, B. Amidu (D. Njaliwa 65'), C. Kaonga (O. Chirinda 85'), T. Benhura, I. Wadi (A. Mukombedzi 66')
TelOne: T. Chikosi, L. Murape (N. Masilela 54'), B. Mtigo (D. Teguru 46'), B. Matebeck, I. Muchaneka, T. Macheke (E. Chikona 87'), N. Masuku (C. Chigara 46'), C. Nyakope, Z. Ruguchu, J. Chipangura (F. Mutatu), F. Makarati
Results
FC Platinum 2-2 MWOS
Hardrock 1-2 Ngezi
Agama 2-2 Simba
Triangle United 2-0 Manica Diamonds
Source - newsday
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