The Sunday Mail
Simba Chiminya
Chapungu. .. . (0) 1
Hwange. . . . . (1) 2
Andrew Chuma rose from the bench to score a beautiful volley in the twilight of the match to give Hwange their first win of the season.
The coalminers saw off Chapungu, 2-1, in an otherwise entertaining affair at Ascot stadium yesterday.
The visitors had stuttered in their opening two matches drawing away to Tsholotsho in the season opener before being clobbered at home by Ngezi Platinum Stars last week but came to Ascot stadium with a better tactical approach.
The Airforce side, under new coach Tendai Chikuni, had charmed many in the opening match against Triangle with their passing game but came unstuck against Rhinos in Harare losing 1-0 and the script was the same during their home tie against HwangeThe visitors soaked early pressure from the hosts who were more comfortable at retaining possession and knocking the ball around without much threat in front of goal. Hwange were content with catching their opponents on the break and it paid dividends when Nomore Chinyere put them ahead just before the half hour mark.
Chapungu were given a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty 20 minutes into the second half and Raymond Sibanda, on loan from FC Platinum, put the hosts on level terms.Chuma was to then restore Chipangano’s lead on the death with a beautiful shot.
With Chapungu a man short after the expulsion of Blessing Zabula seven minutes from time, Hwange capitalised on the numerical advantage with veteran Gilbert Zulu flicking a long ball from the back into the path of Chuma to score the winner.
Hwange coach Nation Dube was delighted with his first win of the season saying this was a big morale booster after a slow start.“
This is a huge victory for us because I have a number of youngsters who needed something to boost their confidence,” he said.
