A 73th minute header by striker John Zhuwawo gave champions CAPS United maximum points and maintained their steady climb up the ladder while further condemning Hwange to the relegation waters.

The coalminers had a brilliant game and could have won the match had they converted about a dozen chances created in the first half.

Some home team fans shed tears at the end of the match in a somewhat tacit admission that their side needed nothing short of a miracle to remain afloat.

Hwange coach, Bigboy Mawiwi, shook his head in disbelief wondering how his side came out empty-handed in a game they completely dominated.

“I can’t even believe what I witnessed today because we wasted so many chances only to concede a goal in such a silly manner from a throw-in.

“There is need for a concerted effort from everyone linked with the team to come on board and address these youngsters one day. This is unbelievable,” said a worried Mawiwi.

The coalminers had started the match a lot more purposeful, but didn’t punish Caps who had a slow start to the game.

Hwange struck the post in the fifth minute following an attack from the left orchestrated by Crybert Muvuti.

Six minutes later, Hwange laid siege on the Caps goal and Delic Murimba watched in disbelief as goalkeeper Jorum Muchambo dived full stretch to his right to push his smothering grounder out for a corner kick.

It was midfielder Nathan Ziwini’s turn to miss in the 26th minute when his volley hit the right upright and rolled out for a goal kick.

Caps’ only attempt at goal in the first half came on the half hour mark after inspirational midfielder Hardlife Zvirekwi sent in a teasing cross that was wasted by Crispen Machisi, who skied his effort from a few metres out.

Caps returned a changed side in the last half with some lovely attacks from the right wing revolving around Machisi and Zvirekwi.

Zvirekwi and Dominic Chungwa tested Hwange goalkeeper Taimon Mvula a number of times until he gaved in 17 minutes before full time.

A long throw in by Zvirekwi eluded the Hwange defence and fell to Zhuwawo, who headed home unmarked to seal Hwange’s fate.

Chipangano then tried hard to pull the game out of the fire through some sustained pressure, but the Caps defence, well marshalled by Hwange-born Stephen Makatuka, was in no mood for favours.

Caps’ assistant coach Tostao Kwashi was on cloud nine after the game.

“We thank God for this. Also the advantage is that I am working with some brilliant football personalities and the determination paid off,” said Kwashi. — @tobymandox.