The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda in BULAWAYO
Chicken Inn …………………………………………… 0
Herentals …………………………………………….. 0
VETERAN gaffer Joey Antipas was livid after Chicken Inn dropped two crucial points against Herentals at Luveve Stadium yesterday.
The result left the Gamecocks a point behind log leaders Dynamos, who could open a four-point gap at the top should they beat Bulawayo City at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.
Chicken Inn went into yesterday’s match two points behind Dynamos and could have dislodged the Harare giants with a win against Herentals.
The Gamecocks had won all their previous meetings against The Students at Luveve before yesterday’s drab draw.
It’s a result that left Antipas a frustrated man. “First of all, we didn’t do enough to win,” said Antipas.
“It’s definitely two points dropped and it is very frustrating.
“A very frustrating afternoon, definitely not a positive result,” said the respected coach.
Chicken Inn have never lost to Herentals in the league since 2018 when The Students made their debut in the Premier Soccer League.
Henceforth, yesterday’s draw was a commendable result for Herentals, whose coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva was satisfied after the final whistle.
“A hard-fought point against one of the best teams in the league, especially if you look at the position they are on the log,” he said.
“We were particularly organised in defence.
“We have never won against Chicken Inn and I am impressed with the boys.
“Getting a draw is amazing, it’s a breakthrough and it’s quite good for us.
“My players had self-belief, they were confident and that is why we got this result.”
The first half was dull, with both teams failing to create any meaningful chances.
Chicken Inn’s leading scorer Brian Muza came close in the 44th minute when his effort was saved by Tafadzwa Chikosi.
Muza had another chance a minute into the second half but he skied his effort.
Herentals striker John Zhuwawo broke through in the 49th minute, but his weak shot was safely collected by Donovan Bernard.
Tough-tackling Herentals defender Godfrey “Marabha” Mukambi was then cautioned for a foul on George Majika in the 53rd minute.
Majika was substituted five minutes later, as Antipas made changes in search of a goal.
That goal proved elusive until the final whistle.
In the end, it was a case of two points dropped for Chicken Inn, who play CAPS United at the National Sports Stadium in the next game.
TEAMS
Chicken Inn:
- Bernard, M. Charamba, X. Ndlovu, N. Ketala, M.Jackson, S. Mhlanga, G. Majika (C. Dzingai 58th), B. Amidu, B. Muza, I. Mabunu, M. Hwata (B. Ncube 58th)
Herentals:
- Chikosi, G. Chinobva, B. Majarira, C. Gobvu, J. Zhuwawo, T. Benza, T. Jimu (P. Chota 61st), P. Chama, W. Chimbetu, G. Mukambi, L. Ruguchu
