Story by Mthokozisi Dube
DEFENDING champions Scottland returned to winning ways with a commanding 2-0 victory over Chicken Inn at Barbourfields Stadium on Saturday, cutting the gap on Premier Soccer League leaders Hardrock.
The Musona brothers stole the spotlight as Knowledge and Walter Musona scored in either half to hand the Gamecocks a second successive defeat.
Scottland controlled large periods of the encounter, dominating possession and creating the better chances as they kept pressure on the leading pack.
Knowledge Musona opened the scoring in the 21st minute after connecting with a well-weighted cross from midfielder Moses Shidolo.
Chicken Inn struggled to settle into the match and spent much of the first half pinned inside their own territory as Scottland dictated the tempo.
Walter Musona sealed the win after the break with a curling strike that left goalkeeper Taimon Mvula with no chance.
Khama Billiat nearly added a third moments later, but failed to capitalise after a deflection from a Panashe Mutimbanyoka chip fell kindly into his path.
Chicken Inn coach Tonderai Ndiraya conceded his side had been outplayed.
“It was a very bad day in the office. Firstly, I must admit we were playing a quality side. Naturally, if you face such an opponent, you are bound to go pound for pound,” he said.
“We did not deal well with the overloads from Moses Shidolo. It was really difficult for us to play from our defensive third.”
Scottland coach Norman Mapeza praised his players for a disciplined performance and said the result provides momentum ahead of their clash against CAPS United.
“I think it was a good game of football. If you look at our performance in the first half, it was well structured. It is a morale booster as we shift our attention to the big one against CAPS United,” said Mapeza.
Elsewhere, unbeaten Ngezi Platinum Stars thumped Bulawayo Chiefs 4-2 at Baobab Stadium, while Herentals cruised to a 4-1 win over Simba Bhora.
Agama and ZPC Kariba settled for a 1-1 draw.
Action continues on Sunday with log leaders Hardrock hosting Dynamos at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe.
FC Hunters face TelOne at Rufaro Stadium, Manica Diamonds host Highlanders at Sakubva Stadium, while Triangle entertain MWOS at Gibbo Stadium.
The round of fixtures concludes on Monday when CAPS United take on FC Platinum at Rufaro Stadium.
