Simba Bhora (1) 1
Chicken Inn 0
Simba Bhora's title defence remains firmly on track after they secured a hard-fought victory over a resilient Chicken Inn at Wadzanayi Stadium yesterday.
The win, which came a week after the club's president Simba Ndoro celebrated his 48th birthday and its chairman elected the Premier Soccer League boss, ensured Simba Bhora stayed at the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League standings.
Midfielder Junior Makunike, the scorer of a winner here the last time they hosted a match, was the hero once again, scoring the only goal in the 41st minute.
His initial shot was blocked by goalkeeper Donovan Benard, but he reacted quickly to rifle the rebound into the back of the net.
The goal, his fifth of the season, proved to be the decider.
Unfortunately for Simba Bhora, Makunike had to be subbed off early in the second half due to a groin injury.
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This crucial victory came after a two-match winless streak and gives the team a much-needed boost going into the run-in.
Simba Bhora now sits on 47 points, just one point ahead of their main title rivals, Scottland, who also won their match against FC Platinum.
Simba Bhora coach Joel Luphahla was relieved and dedicated the win to both the club president and the newly elected Premier League chairman, Isaiah Mupfurutsa.
"We are happy that we have managed to get a win," Luphahla said after the match.
"It was not an easy game but at the end of the day, we took the three points.
“This victory was also for our chairman, and also for our president. I'm very happy that we managed to get the full three points for them."
Luphahla praised his team's resilience, especially as they had to repel a late onslaught from the visitors.
"The boys played very well and they deserve to win," he added. "We could have scored another goal or two.
“But what I like about them is that they are resilient. Even under pressure, they don't wilt. I give credit to them."
He also acknowledged the incredible support from the home fans, who he said "lifted the boys" throughout the game.
Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas, despite the loss, was proud of his team's performance.
The Gamecocks are on 12th position with 26 points, one above Yadah that sits on the relegation cutoff point.
"It was a game of two halves. They had a good first half and we played well in the second half," Antipas explained.
"I'll say that we were just unfortunate once again. Because one thing, we are playing good football, but once again, that moment of luck is just not coming our side." He believes his team deserved at least a point and commended Simba Bhora's solid defense for holding firm in the second half.
The match was a tale of two halves, with Simba Bhora dominating the first and Chicken Inn controlling the second.
The home side had chances to extend their lead, most notably when Ishe Mauchi headed over and substitute Isakar Gurirab wasted a golden opportunity in the 67th minute.
After rounding the goalkeeper, Gurirab took too long to shoot, allowing a defender to clear the ball off the line.
Chicken Inn, while enjoying more possession in the second half, struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their best opportunity came in the 70th minute when Lincoln Mangaira headed wide from a promising position.
In the end, Makunike's first-half strike was enough to separate the two sides, securing a vital three points for the league leaders.
Teams
Simba Bhora: W Thole, W Tafa, I Mauchi, T Mandinyenya (B Mutukure, 67'), B Ndereki, B Ncube, D Mudadi (T Mavhunga, 75'), I Nyanhi, E Ziocha (M Mushore, 75'), J Makunike (I Gurirab, 56'), N Tsabora
Chicken Inn: B Donovan, I Sadiki (B Rendo, 60'), J Tulani, M Mushonga, X Ndlovu, M Bhebhe, I Mabhunu, G Mutungamiri (I Munkombwe, 46'), L Chikuhwa , M Charamba (B Muza, 60), L Mangaira (L Saungweme, 78').
