CAPS United lose at Rufaro as Bulawayo Chiefs win on late penalty; Hardrock’s 6-1 rout tightens PSL title race

CAPS United lose at Rufaro as Bulawayo Chiefs win on late penalty; Hardrock’s 6-1 rout tightens PSL title race
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CAPS United’s lead at the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) was cut to a single point on Saturday after they were beaten 1-0 by Bulawayo Chiefs at Rufaro Stadium, while Hardrock hammered FC Hunters 6-1 at Chahwanda.

At Rufaro, a 72nd-minute penalty converted by Panashe Shoko proved decisive. Bulawayo Chiefs were awarded the spot-kick after CAPS United defender Kudzai Chigwida fouled Brian Muza, with Shoko sending goalkeeper Wallace Magalane the wrong way.

The result left CAPS United on 22 points and dealt them only a second defeat of the season, coming a week before the highly anticipated Harare derby against Dynamos. Despite the setback, coach Takesure Chiragwi said his side must take positives from the performance.

“We congratulate Chiefs, they got their chance and they utilised that one chance they got,” Chiragwi told the media after the match. He said his team created several opportunities in the opening half but could not convert, adding: “We had so many chances in the first half, but we couldn’t find the back of the net.”

Chiragwi also defended his players after conceding the penalty, saying: “And we cannot crucify anyone, it’s part of the game. So, at the end of the day, we just need to accept the defeat and move forward.”

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Bulawayo Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino credited planning and execution for the win, while acknowledging the quality of the opponents. “They are a solid team,” Nyikadzino said. “Today’s victory was a result of proper planning by both the technical team and the administration. The players also gave their all.”

In the other match affecting the top end of the table, Hardrock produced a ruthless second-half display to overwhelm FC Hunters 6-1. Junior Makunike scored twice on his first start, while substitute Tinashe Mashaireni struck two quick goals off the bench. Washington Navaya and Donald Mudadi were also on the scoresheet.

Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu said the emphatic scoreline was a response to recent dropped points. “It’s a good response because from the last two games we could not pick maximum points,” Kaindu said. “Today we came out strong, scoring six goals and with a bit of composure we could have scored more.”

Hunters coach Nesbert Saruchera raised concerns after the heavy defeat, calling for scrutiny within his camp. “It wasn’t easy for us. This is my first time to concede six goals in the Premier League. Something fishy is happening in our camp; they should be investigated,” Saruchera said, adding: “We created chances, gifted soft goals and failed to score in the first half. It is something beyond.”

Meanwhile in Shamva, AGAMA recorded a third straight draw after being held 0-0 by FC Platinum at Wadzanai. Coach Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe said the point was important against former champions and highlighted a defensive milestone. “This was a relief for us, collecting a point from former champions is something that any small team would want and I am happy we did it,” he said. “What was most outstanding is that this was our first clean sheet of the season. It shows that we are headed somewhere.”

FC Platinum coach Joel Luphahla, however, expressed frustration at missed opportunities. “I am happy that we kept a clean sheet, but very disappointed that we created at least three one-versus-one chances with the goalkeeper, but failed to bury any,” he said.

The weekend’s results keep the Castle Lager PSL title race tight, with CAPS United’s advantage reduced and Hardrock building momentum ahead of their next derby fixture, while teams in Mashonaland Central such as Shamva-based AGAMA continue to look for wins after a sequence of draws.

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