Chapungu Win Five-Goal Thriller

Premiership returnees Mutare City succumbed to their second consecutive defeat in a five-goal thriller at the National Sports Saturday losing 2-3 against Chapungu.

Bruno Mtigo, Allan Tavarwisa and Ian Nyoni were on target for Chapungu while David Gumbo and Kelvin Bingala scored for Mutare city.

It was Gusha Bhora who went in front after 15 minutes when Gumbo blasted home a free kick from outside the box.

That lead did not last long as Chapungu levelled 12 minutes later through Mtigo. The Gweru side took the lead in the 36th minute courtesy of burly striker Tavarwisa but four minutes later, Mutare City equalised through Bingala.

The gifted Nyoni then scored what turned out to be the winner for Chapungu five minutes from the breather.

Six Platinum Points In A Day’s Work

Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Champions FC Platinum’s quest to defend their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title Saturday got off to a perfect start as they dispatched a seemingly demotivated Yadah FC at Mandava and were awarded a further three points by the PSL for the abandoned matchday one game against ZPC Kariba on a 3-0 scoreline.

FC Platinum were off to an explosive start at Mandava, in the ninth minute after Marshal Mudehwe outpaced his markers before firing home.

Edwin Madanhanga doubled the lead when he controlled a Rodwell Chinyengetere assist with his chest before firing a low shot beyond Samuel Mafukidze on 42 minutes.

Harare Win Battle Of Cities

Harare City edged fellow council owned side Bulawayo City 1-0 at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday. Substitute Martin Vengesayi scored the solitary goal with a low shot, from inside the box, after 72 minutes.

More Misery For ZPC Kariba

Former Dynamos midfielder Masimba Mambare scored a beauty before Lot Chiwunga sealed the deal as Black Rhinos piled more misery on ZPC Kariba at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.

A few hours after the Premier Soccer League slapped the Kariba side with a $1 250 fine, plus a 0-3 defeat for failing to turn up for last Saturday’s clash against FC Platinum at the same venue, Godfrey Tamirepi’s boys slumped to another loss.

Mambare, who moved to the barracks from DeMbare early this year, was the toast of the day for Chauya Chipembere who recovered from last Sunday’s 1-2 defeat at the hands of Highlanders in Bulawayo.

The former Motor Action and Highlanders star opened the scores with a glancing header after 21 minutes of play to settle the nerves for the Herbert Maruwa coached side.

Last season’s Golden Boot contender Chiwunga then sealed it for Black Rhinos from close range in the 65th minute.

Irate Antipas Blasts Ref As Chicken Inn choke At Ascot

Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas blasted referee Thabani Bamala for “biased officiating” after his side played out a goalless draw against Premiership debutants Nichrut at Ascot Saturday. A furious Antipas implored the Referees Committee to reprimand below par referees whom he said were spoiling the game.

“We dominated the game for large periods but due to unforeseen circumstances, we were just blocked. Whenever we had the ball or whenever we were going for a 50-50 tussle the decision went against us. That’s not football, this is the beginning of the season, let’s be fair,” thundered Antipas.

“The Referees Association should speak to their referees because they are spoiling it, please don’t spoil football.”

The draw left Chicken Inn on four points but Antipas, who guided Chicken Inn to their maiden championship in 2015, is refusing to have the championship contenders’ tag slapped on his team.

“Whoever touted us (for the title) should carry on whilst we concentrate on our game. We have just played two games, combinations are coming up but talking about the championship now is premature,” he said.

Nichrut coach John Nyikadzino, whose side has now picked up four out of six points, acknowledged that it was difficult playing against Antipas’ well-drilled Gamecocks.