Tafadzwa 'Fire' Rusike put up a stellar show as CAPS United exerted revenge on Highlanders with a 1-0 victory to leapfrog them into second.

CAPS United lost 1-0 in the reverse fixture a fortnight ago but a fired up Rusike provided an assist for the solitary goal by wasteful Dominic Chungwa and won a penalty which was missed by Devon Chafa.

The opening stages of a rather lukewarm first half were sluggish with no shot on target from both teams but it was Highlanders which had early attempts with Eric Mudzingwa's header off a Gabriel Nyoni corner kick missing the target by inches. 

Rahman Kutsanzira was to miss from inside the box seven minutes later blasting his effort over as the game slowly started swinging in CAPS favour as the first stanza progressed. 

Dominic Chungwa missed a glorious chance in the 41st minute when Ronald Pfumbidzai intercepted a weak back pass by Gabriel Nyoni intended for Bosso keeper Sibanda. Chungwa skied his effort with an open net from inside the 6yard box after an outdrawn Ariel Sibanda was beaten on the near side by Pfumbidzai.

Chungwa made amends in the 58th minute when he reacted faster tapping in a rebound after Sibanda had spilled a shot from Rusike. 

The former Ajax and Dynamos midfielder who was too hot to handle for Highlanders defence won his side a penalty a minute later when his intended cross was handled by Felix Chindungwe. Chafa took the responsibility but his effort was saved by the Sibanda. 

CAPS United however continued to have the upper hand and Pfumbidzai came very close to adding the second when his shot struck the left upright post.

Highlanders pressed for the equaliser late on causing a number of anxious moments but the Green Machine held for the three points.

With the win CAPS United moved into second position with 32 points, four behind leaders FC Platinum while Bosso dropped to third.

Elsewhere at Luveve Stadium, Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye, who missed a penalty in the ZNA Charity shield final against Hghlanders, was the fall guy for Harare City once again after conceding an own goal as Chicken Inn won 2-0. Clement Matawu scored the cushion late in the second half as Moses Chunga seems to be losing the steam and verve he started with when he took over at the Sunshine Boys.

At the Colliery, Gift Mbweti continued with his rich vein of form scoring his sixth goal of the season, one behind leading scorer Bruce Kangwa as Hwange edged Tsholotsho 1-0. 

Tonderai Ndiraya continued with his unbeaten run since taking over at Ngezi Platinum after snatching a point in a goalless draw against Triangle at Gibbo.

Sunday Results

CAPS United 1-0 Highlanders

Triangle 0-0 Ngezi Platinum

Chicken Inn 2-0 Harare City

Hwange 1-0 Tsholotsho