CAPS United wallop Hwange

By Freedom Mashava

HARARE – CAPS United made their intentions of winning the NetOne Easycall Cup clear by dispatching Hwange 3-1n yesterday’s quarter-final match.

Second-half goals from Moses Muchenje, Joel Ngodzo and Hardlife Zvirekwi thrust the Green Machine into the semi-finals and they are now just two wins away from winning silverware this season.

Hwange replied through Aleck Marime but it was all too late as Makepekepe had done enough to secure their berth in the last four.

After a cagey and an evenly-balanced first period, CAPS finally got the breakthrough when they were awarded a penalty in the 56th minute after Phineas Bhamusi was fouled inside the box.

Muchenje slotted the spot kick past Hwange goalkeeper Takabva Mawaya to give the home side the lead.

From then on, it was one-way traffic as the Green Machine turned their dominance into goals.

Ngodzo extended United’s lead in the 74th minute after rounding off Mawaya to slot into an empty net.

Zvirekwi completed the rout two minutes later when he unleashed a scorching shot from a long distance that left the visitors goalkeeper with no chance.

Chipangano scored their consolation four minutes from time when Marime finished from close range but there was no comeback for the coalminers.

Makepekepe coach Lloyd Chitembwe was pleased with the way his side took control of the game, especially in the second period when they were on target on three occasions.

“I’m very satisfied with the performance today and I hope we continue with this kind of display in the competition,” he said.

“On balance of play, we are poised for good things and it’s only fair when we get these kind of results.

“You look at the amount of energy and effort the boys are showing in our games it only gives us a good chance.

Chitembwe added: “At the end of the day, all we want is to ensure that we’re consistent in the way we perform. I’m happy that we have managed to strike the right chord; there is an element of consistency and I think we played better today (yesterday) than we did against Dynamos last week.

Hwange coach Nation Dube was disappointed with the penalty decision which he attributed to his team’s collapse.

“That penalty changed the complexion of the game. I’m afraid to say what I really want to say because I will be charged so I better just keep quiet,” he said.

“It wasn’t a penalty and I was shocked, it changed the complexion of the game. The other two goals went in because the boys were still thinking of what happened.

“My guys only started believing in themselves after we were three-nil down and the damage was already done.”

The NetOne Easycall Cup continues today with Dynamos taking on How Mine at Rufaro Stadium while Highlanders travel to Mandava Stadium for a date with FC Platinum. Daily News