Hardrock, Caps Share Spoils In Six-Goal Thriller

By Lloyd Mwale at
Chahwanda Stadium, Kwekwe

Caps United twice fought back from behind before settling for a thrilling 3-3 draw against Hardrock in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Chahwanda Stadium yesterday.

The hosts dominated the opening exchanges and almost took the lead in the third minute when Donald Mudadi dragged his effort wide after being released by Tinotenda Muringai.

Hardrock’s positive start was rewarded in the 17th minute when Washington Navhaya calmly beat goalkeeper Washington Arubi with a low finish to score past Arubi,who was making his first game for Caps, since returning to the Premiership.

Caps United gradually worked their way back into the contest and restored parity in the 38th minute through Kudzai Chigwida, who capitalised after Hardrock goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga had only managed to parry a corner kick into his path.

Mudadi squandered another good opportunity two minutes before the break, firing wide with only Arubi to beat, before the veteran goalkeeper produced another fine save to deny the hosts.

The visitors returned from the break with renewed purpose after coach Takesure Chiragwi introduced Obrey Chirinda for Precious Phiri at halftime. The substitute made an immediate impact, weaving past three defenders before firing home in the 48th minute to hand Caps United a 2-1 lead.
Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu responded by introducing Prince Dube and Wilfred Manzungu for Sambulo Simelane and Samuel Makawa as the hosts searched for a way back into the game.

The substitutions transformed Hardrock’s attack as they piled pressure on the Caps United defence.

Manzungu levelled matters in the 70th minute with a powerful header before completing his brace three minutes later, nodding home from Neliswa Dhlamini’s inviting delivery to put the hosts ahead for the first time in the second half.

With momentum firmly on their side, can looked set to collect maximum points as they controlled possession and pinned the visitors inside their own half.
However, a costly defensive lapse by debutant Gerald Takwara allowed Congolese striker Kope Mugalu to head home the equaliser and rescue a point for Caps United.

Hardrock had one final opportunity to snatch victory in the closing stages, but Muringai failed to hit the target as both sides settled for a share of the spoils after an entertaining six-goal encounter.