Chapungu..................................(1) 2
Buffaloes....................................(0) 1
HARARE - Charles Murisa scored a late winner to give Chapungu all three points against a spirited Buffaloes side in a Castle Premiership match at Ascot Stadium yesterday.
With the match headed for a stalemate, Buffaloes defender Shepherd Nkatha, who had an outstanding afternoon, handled inside the box in an attempt to clear.
Murisa took the responsibility but his initial effort was pushed against the upright by Buffaloes goalie Blessing Mwandimutsira.
Murisa reacted first to the rebound to score from close range to restore the visitors lead and give them the maximum points.
Chapungu had taken the lead in the first half against the run of play when Ngonidzashe Murisa combined with Courage Muzire to set up Gift Phiri inside the box.
Phiri drilled a low shot past Mwandimutsira and the goal spurred Chapungu’s attack but they could not increase their lead in the remainder of the first period.
In the second half, Buffaloes coach Luke Masomere made a tactical chance by pushing centre back Prosper Matizanadzo into a central striking position.
The move paid dividends for the visitors as they started winning most aerial balls. Lloyd Katongomara pulled one back for the Mutare-based soldiers in the 66th minute after finishing off a rebound.
Chapungu goalkeeper Roy Mazingi had parried back into play a shot from Jacob Muzokomba when Katongomara pounced.
With the match destined for a draw Chapungu were given the perfect opportunity to win it after Nkatha handled inside the box.
The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Masomere. The former Shabanie gaffer assigned his assistant Timothy Masachi to conduct post match interviews.
“We lost it when we failed those early chances. The penalty was a big blow because a draw would have been a fair result,” said Masachi.
Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino was elated with the result but lamented his defence for going to sleep allowing the Buffaloes equaliser.
“We went to sleep and allowed them to score the equaliser. But the win is good for us,” said Nyikadzino.