SCOTTLAND. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)0
CAPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(1) 1
HARARE giants Caps United delivered a significant statement yesterday, securing a hard-fought victory over flamboyant rivals Scottland FC in a high-stakes derby at Rufaro Stadium.
Zambian striker Chris Mugalu etched his name in the Green Machine's history, scoring the decisive goal in his debut appearance.
He powerfully headed the ball beyond Scottland’s goalkeeper, Talbert Shumba, late in the first half, ultimately proving to be the match-winner.
The fixture was preceded by fierce social media banter, but it was Caps United who ultimately had the last laugh, avenging their disappointing 2-0 defeat in the reverse fixture.
This crucial win propelled Caps United up the ladder to 10th place with 23 points, as they aim to climb further up the standings in the second half of the season.
Caps United coach Ian Bakala lauded his players' fighting spirit after the match. "Credit goes to the players. They performed very well today, according to how we planned," he told journalists.
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"I saw it coming through training, because I think everyone was pushing, despite small mistakes, which I think we just have to improve on. But I'm happy with them, let's hope they continue fighting at this level."
Bakala also singled out Mugalu and veteran defender Bruce Kangwa for praise.
“He's a striker that I know. This is the third club I'm coaching him in, and I know his qualities,” Bakala said.
“Age might be there, but he's a hard worker. I have faith in him. This is the first game, I can't judge him. But I'll continue pushing him. Again, it's not only him. I think all the players played well."
"He did his part, but I'm happy also with Bruce Kangwa. Bruce is helping us a lot. We hope these young boys will learn from him. But I think we still have work to do," he added.
Caps United handed starts to their three new signings: Chinga Chitoshi, Mugalu and Ishmael Wadi, all of whom impressed throughout the game.
The first half was a balanced affair, with Scottland coming close to scoring on a couple of occasions.
However, it was Mugalu who broke the deadlock for Caps United, nodding home a Brian Kadamanja free-kick nine minutes before the break.
Soon after the restart, Khama Billiat had a clear sight of goal from a close-range shot, but Caps United goalkeeper, Stephen Kwaku, produced a crucial save.
Moments later, Walter Musona sent in a free-kick, connected by Tymon Machope, whose header agonisingly crashed onto the woodwork.
At the other end, Shumba produced an unbelievable save to deny Nyasha Chintuli's blistering shot from the edge of the box.
Substitute Michael Tapera thought he had snatched a point for Scottland on the stroke of full-time, but his headed goal was correctly flagged for offside, preserving Caps United's lead.
The result means pressure continues to mount on Scottland's coach Tonderai Ndiraya, whose team has now failed to win in their last four matches.
Ndiraya felt luck was not on their side.
"A very disappointing result when you consider the way we played today," he lamented. "We haven't been so lucky in the past three games that we've played. We've played some good football, but unfortunately, we have not been getting the results that we wanted. And then, coming to the game, I thought we had a very good game. I think in most moments of the game, we were very much in control of the game."
Teams:
Scottland: T Shumba, P Muduhwa, G Madhake, R Pfumbidzai (M. Tapera, 80th min), K Moyo, T Machope, V Kawe (M. Msebe, 65th min), W Musona, T Dzvukamanja, K Billiat (P. Mutimbanyoka, 80th min), F Ansa-Botchway (K. Mureremba, 46th min)
CAPS Utd: S Kwaku, B Kangwa, C Chitoshi, B Kadamanja, K Mangiza, T Shandirwa, K Benyu (H. Chapusha, 87th min), P Bamusi, N Chintuli (B. Manhire, 74th min), C Mugalu, I Wadi
