HARARE – Black Rhinos moved out of the relegation zone after the soldiers handed Harare City interim coach Masimba Dinyero his first defeat of the season yesterday at Rimuka Stadium.
Midfielder Wonder Kapinda scored the only game of the match after 30 minutes and the win moved Chauya Chipembere to 27 points on the log.
Milton Kureva picked up possession in midfield and charged towards City’s goal before passing to an unmarked Kapinda.
The midfielder made good use of the pass as he slotted home past an exposed Maxwell Nyamupanedengu.
After the breather, the visitors returned a transformed side with Benson Maglasi causing some anxious moments for the Rhinos defence.
Meanwhile, Chapungu maintained their unbeaten home recorded with a spirited second half display that cancelled an Ishmael Lawe first half strike in a castle larger premiership match at ascot stadium yesterday.
The first half was a drab affair as both sides took long to settle. Chicken Inn were the first to pounce when Lawe tapped home from a close range after Chapungu goalkeeper Alexander Useni had parried back into play a shot from Bheki Ncube.
The visitors won possession inside the Chapungu half and Clement Matawu released Ncube on the left, who unleashed a rising shot that was too hot to handle for Useni.
Chapungu, who had a dull first half, only had their first attempt at goal five minutes from the break when left back Libert Khimu shot from long range.
The second half was a different story altogether for the home side, who resumed from the breather a more determined side.
Chapungu were rewarded for their persistence in the 70th minute when Maxwell Mavhuto drilled a low shot past the Gamecocks goalie Elvis Chipezeze for the equaliser.
Five minutes later, Chapungu had completed the turn around after Charles Murisa scored from the penalty spot.
The home side were awarded the spot kick after Passmore Bernard hacked down Gift Phiri inside the box.
The penalty decision referee Munyaradzi Majoni appeared a bit too harsh as there was minimal contact between Bernard and Phiri.
In Chiredzi, new FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza suffered his second defeat since taking over at the club last month when the Zvishavane-based side went down 2-0 to rejuvenated Triangle at Giboo Stadium yesterday.