EAGLES’ youthful midfielder Brian Katsaruware struck memorable debut goal to condemn CAPS United to a 1-0 defeat in a premier league match played at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday.
The 18 year-old took advantage of a poor headed clearance by Ndumiso Khanye in the 63rd minute and let loose a powerful volley which beat Itai Chiwara in goals for United to give Eagles a deserved win.
The goal followed some fluid movement by Eagles who took the game to United in the second half, fully exploiting some surprise changes made by CAPS coach Lloyd Chitembwe.
After an uninspired performance in the first half, Chitembwe decided to turn things around and pulled off Clive Kawinga for Courage Denias, leaving his side with a lone striker.
The move did not quite work as the remaining forward, Ghanaian Frank Addo, was rendered ineffective by United’s wayward passing.
The Ghanaian’s wastefulness on the few occasions he found possession did not help his cause resulting in his replacement by Yves Ebabali.
Still, Ebabali, whose introduction meant CAPS were left without a recognizable striker, also failed to turn the game around for Chitembwe.
United’s bid to get the all important equaliser proved futile with Eagles stopper Edmund Chimhini standing his ground.
The goal-keeper, who joined Eagles from Kwekwe-based Lancashire Steel, pulled out some great saves denying Denias in a one-on-one situation and diving full length to parry David Sengu’s swinging free kick for a corner deep into injury time.
Eagles coach Partridge Muskwe was full of praise for his lads after the game.
“Our game plan, which centred on defusing CAPS United, worked according to plan.
“We are yet to fire at full capacity as the best is yet to come from guys like Whitby, Gift Phiri and Brian, who finally got it right in a competitive game,” he said.
The Eagles coach said he was not surprised with Katsaruware’s impressive effort.
“The boy regularly scores such volleys at training and as his coach I am pleased that he had the confidence to express himself in such a big game,” Muskwe said.
Chitembwe, who spent a few minutes in the CAPS United dug-out after the game contemplating yet another loss, conceded that his side was outplayed by the youthful Eagles.
Teams
CAPS United: I. Chiwara, D. Sengu, D. Walaza, N. Mukumbi, N. Khanye, E. Chafungamoyo, A. Samaneka, G. Mapemba, P. Tafirenyika (G. Mangani, 46 mins), C. Kawinga (C. Denias, 46 mins), F. Addo (Y. Ebabali, 83 mins)
Eagles: E. Chimhini, L. Chiwaridzo (B. Chirimhanzi, 52 mins), G. Phiri, T. Takawira, O. Mwerahari, T. Mareya, P. Muzondo, E. Mwinga, C. Whitby, B. Katsaruware, M. Dumbura.