Wilson Chipangura, Guest Reporter
HARARE – Harare giants CAPS United finally registered a win in the Chibuku Super Cup tournament group one when they schooled Herentals on Wednesday.
United who came into the match under pressure after draws in their first two matches were eager to scratch for something.
The match started in a tense way with Herentals in the driving seat. CAPS United conceded a corner kick inside 23 seconds, after a misplaced pass by Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye.
A counterattack from the Green Machine almost caused trouble for the Students but a Balakazi shot was blocked for a throw-in.
Herentals were awarded a dubious penalty by referee Cuthbert Zigwati in the 4th minute with Enock Karembo adjudged to have fouled Chimbetu.
Gibson Chinobva made no mistake from the spot, placing the penalty on the far left post and sending CAPS keeper Tonderai Mateyaunga the wrong way.
CAPS United woke up from the slumber after that as they searched for the equalizer.
Group one current top scorer Ishmael Wadi almost pulled something for United in the 15th minute but his shot went wide.
Makepekepe finally got the equalizer in the 22nd minute from a counter attack with Belakazi slotting home a powerful drive past Herentals keeper.
Herentals almost took the leader again after a quick free kick by ageless Innocent Benza found his son Tino in the box but was miscued.
The referee continued to make some dubious decisions in favor of Herentals but nothing concrete came out this time.
The second half started with CAPS United trying to search for a goal.
The combination of Brendon Mpofu and captain Ronald Chitiyo caused problems for Herentals for the better part.
CAPS United finally got the winner on the hour mark through Blessing Sarupinda after some wonderful play between Brendon Mpofu and Chitiyo.
Substitute Blessing Majarira almost pulled the equalizer on the 75 minute but his header went out for a goal kick.
Herentals continued to search for the goal but United held on the lead to register a sweet victory ahead of their battle against old foes Dynamos this Sunday.
“We were actually not happy with the draws but to a certain extent we were grateful because it was not easy, we were always coming back.
“And we worked hard in training and told ourselves that we are doing well in coming back, what if we lag behind and we come back, we must be able to win.
“And this is exactly what we did. In as much as we didn’t want to go down first, we wanted to take a lead then we wanted to see how it was going to go but it was unfortunate,” said CAPS mentor Darlington Dodo.
Herentals coach Kumbirayi Mutiwekuziwa felt his team met a prepared opponent but bemoaned the missed chances.
“This is a game that we were targeting to win playing against CAPS United. To us they are like our bogey side and I think you see the way they celebrated after winning this game.
“We have been giving them torrid time most of the time we meet, so this was almost a must win today. And also reading from our previous matches, we have been drawing not scoring, so we much needed the three points.
“But it was a difficult game for me and I think also for the players. It was a tight game, looking at both teams they also hungry for a win,” said Kumbirayi Mutiwekuziwa.
