Story by Raynald Ngwarati
ISHMAEL Wadi’s first-half strike dented Simba Bhora’s chances of retaining the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, while also boosting CAPS United’s hopes for survival.
Simba Bhora’s title charge took a knock after a shock 1-0 defeat to CAPS United, who finally gave their fans something to cheer.
Ishmael Wadi’s first-half strike was enough to separate the two sides at Wadzanayi Stadium.
The defending champions do not usually lose at home. Last year, they lost to FC Platinum and this season, another green and white team handed them a defeat at home.
The result means CAPS United can afford to breathe, moving two points above the relegation zone.
The loudest cheers, however, were in Mabvuku as Simba Bhora’s defeat means that the champions stay four points behind Scottland with four games to go despite having a match in hand.
The result also means MWOS, who beat Green Fuel by a single goal to nil thanks to a 60th-minute finish from Wilson Mensah, are now level on 47 points with Simba.
At Rufaro Stadium, Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum shared the spoils in a chaotic one-all draw.
Ngezi took the lead through Talent Chamboko in the 10th minute, but Dynamos levelled through an own goal that was heavily disputed by Ngezi Platinum Stars, leading to coach Takesure Chiragwi and substitute Kudzai Chigwida being given their marching orders.
Ngezi defender Leslie Kashitigu was also shown a red card in added time of the first half; however, Dembare failed to make the numerical difference count as the match ended one all.
Elsewhere, ZPC Kariba were dominant at Nyamhunga Stadium, beating Bikita Minerals 2-0 with goals from Stanley Ngala and Charles Munyanyi.
TelOne boosted their top three hopes with a 3-1 win over Kwekwe United.
Tawanda Macheke put them ahead in the 8th minute before league top scorer Washington Navaya sealed it in stoppage time with his 16th goal of the season.
It was stalemates in Zvishavane and Sakubva as FC Platinum drew 0-0 with Yadah, while Manica Diamonds and Triangle also played to a goalless draw.
It all sets up a crucial match at Rufaro this Sunday as Highlanders travel to face Herentals.
