CAPS United 2-1 Hardbody

CAPS United finally remembered how to win after edging Hardbody 2-1 in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at the National Sports Stadium Tuesday.

Midfielder David Rediyon scored both goals as United collected their first set of full of points after a lengthy barren spell which saw them failing to register a win in their last ten matches.

It was Taurai Mangwiro’s first win in charge of the Green Machine after last week’s 0-0 draw at Buffaloes at Mutare and he heaved a huge sigh of relief after the match.

“It’s sweet victory for us and we deserved it. We have been working hard and I am glad we managed to score, not once but twice. This is the beginning of good things to come and I have said it before that we need to break the ice and the rest will follow,” Mangwiro said in his post-match comments.

And the man he replaced in the hot-seat, northern Irishman Sean Connor, was on hand to watch the game, taking his seat beside the man who dismissed him, Caps United vice president Farai Jere.

After a goalless first half, Rediyoni hit the nets in the 57th minute for the opener. But the lead lasted only 10 minutes as Hardbody substitute Calisto Maheya equalised. But Rediyoni had the final say in the 92nd minute with a goal that sparked huge celebrations among the Caps United family.

The former champions now have 23 points, but could not move up the league table as Black Mambas came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Motor Action. Caps are 12th on the league table while Mambas are a place better.

Elsewhere, FC Platinum also ran riot, hammering Quelaton 4-0 while, at Gwanzura, relegation-threatened Blue Rangers came from behind to hold title challengers Monomotapa to a 1-1 draw.

The first chance came after 10 minutes but Ronald Chitiyo’s effort blocked by goalkeeper, Pedzisai Gumiremhete who also thwarted a Makai Kawashu effort on 20 minutes.

For their part, Blue Wrangers missed a good chance a minute later with big striker David Temwanjira shooting meekly at goal after goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi had prematurely come off his line.

The 2008 champions however, picked themselves up and threatened the Blue Rangers goal with Osborne Mukuradare watching in disbelief as his stunning free kick near the penalty area was tipped over by Gumiremhete.

And as Biggie Zuze’s men continued with their dominance, Kawashu missed again when his well taken shot hit the underside of the cross bar on 42 minutes.

It was then left to skipper Kuda Musharu to thrust Monomotapa into the lead when he got to the end of a pass from the left by Mugoniwa Hillary.

In the second half, Blue Rangers coach Partson Ndabambi made a double substitution brining on the pair of Motsi Macdonald and 16 year old Philip Nelson for Hillary Chimombe and Hadebe Scholar.

The substitution paid dividends as it brought some urgency in the team’s attack. On 61 minutes, Chitiyo burst through but had his effort saved by the goalkeeper.

Ndabambi made another substitution on 67 minutes introducing Gwiliza Ephraim for Talent Munetsi. A minute later Norest Mukwezvaramba levelled matters when he beat a couple of defenders before placing the ball to the far right corner of the post.

After the goal, Monomotapa kept probing their opponents but Rangers held on until referee Pedzisai Chadya blew to end the match.

Tuesday Results: Black Mambas 2-2 Motor Action, CAPS United 2-1 Hardbody, Quelaton 0-4 FC Platinum, Hwange, Monomotapa 1-1 Blue Rangers, Gunners 0-1 Buffaloes, Shabanie Mine 2-1.

Fixtures

Wednesday: Chicken Inn vs Highlanders (BF), Harare City vs Dynamos(Rufaro)