By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
ZPC Kariba picked up a vital 1-0 win over Chicken Inn at home, with midfielder Collen Muleya’s 27nd-minute set-piece strike proving the difference in a tense Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter.
The win was ZPC Kariba’s first since relieving Head Coach Newman Mashipe and Assistant Coach Newman Chitewe of their duties following a run of poor results. Newly appointed Head coach, Expense Chitukutuku is now expected to guide the Kariba outfit as they look to turn their season around.
The match was evenly balanced in the opening stages, with Chicken Inn pushing towards the ZPC Kariba goal and former ZPC man Vassili Kawe trying to prove a point against his old paymasters.
ZPC Kariba sat deep in the first half, with Collen Muleya controlling midfield while Fanuel Shoko and Wayne Kamurai solidified the flanks against a Chicken Inn defense marshalled by Tyrese Waungua.
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Muleya converted from a set piece delivered by Kuzivakwashe Madima. Chicken Inn’s Maxwell Masiiwa later broke through but his effort went straight to ZPC Kariba keeper Tatenda Munditi, and the hosts went into halftime 1-0 up.
Second-half substitute Lynoth Chikuhwa added energy on the left flank for ZPC Kariba and changed the complexion of the match, while Chicken Inn’s Sefu Louisem created several chances for the visitors. Muleya again threatened but his shot was saved by Donvan Bernard.
ZPC Head Coach Expense Chitukutuku praised his players for their discipline and work rate after the final whistle.
“The boys responded well after a difficult period. We asked them to stay compact, control midfield and take our chances. Collen showed his quality from the set piece and the backline, led by Tatenda, stood firm,” Chitukutuku said.
Chicken Inn coach Tonderai Ndiraya admitted his side failed to contain Muleya.
“We played well in the first half but it’s unfortunate that it was not our day. Our guys did not do much to control Collen Muleya who eventually broke us,” Ndiraya said.
The result lifts pressure on ZPC Kariba after the coaching changes, with Chitukutuku now tasked with building momentum. Chicken Inn will look to bounce back in their next fixture.
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