CAPS United were made to fight for their lives on Sunday before edging ZPC Kariba 3-2 in a pulsating Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash at Rufaro Stadium. A late, disputed penalty from Ishmael Wadi proved decisive after the visitors had twice clawed their way back into the contest.
Makepekepe took the lead in the 27th minute when Ishmael Wadi finished off a well-worked move, converting Brett Amidu’s assist with a composed strike. ZPC Kariba responded after the break, levelling matters in the 56th minute to make it 1-1 and swing momentum their way. CAPS United’s reply was immediate. Just five minutes after the equaliser, Wadi broke clear and had a clear sight of goal, but unselfishly squared the ball to an unmarked Taku Benhura, who tapped home to restore the hosts’ lead at 2-1. The advantage was short-lived. In the 68th minute, CAPS goalkeeper Wallace Magalane was punished for hesitation in possession. ZPC striker Kudzai Ngwende read the delay, dispossessed Magalane, and rolled the ball into an empty net to make it 2-2.
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Book NowTanaka Shandirwa was handed a place in the starting eleven and justified the selection with an assured performance in midfield, helping CAPS control key spells of the match.
The decisive moment came in the 87th minute when the referee awarded CAPS United a penalty for handball by a ZPC defender attempting to clear inside the box. The decision sparked lengthy protests from the visitors, delaying the spot kick by nearly five minutes. ZPC players briefly walked off the pitch before returning to allow the penalty to proceed. Ishmael Wadi stepped up and sent Future Sibanda the wrong way, sealing his brace and a 3-2 lead for Makepekepe. The goal proved to be the winner.
Drama continued into stoppage time. With coach Takesure Chiragwi looking to substitute him, Wadi was adjudged to be delaying his exit from the field. The referee showed him a second yellow card, reducing CAPS to 10 men for the final moments. They held on for the three points.
ZPC Kariba coach Expence Chitukutuku was gracious in defeat. “Despite the loss, the boys played very well. Even though the scoreline went against us, we are seeing great improvement from the team,” he said.CAPS United coach Takesure “Deco” Chiragwi praised his side’s effort but pointed to lapses in focus. “I have to appreciate the boys for their performance. They played very well. It’s only that our concentration level is not that good. It’s something we need to work on,” Chiragwi said.
The result gives CAPS United a vital home win, while ZPC Kariba will take positives from a spirited display despite leaving Rufaro empty-handed.
