Caps United fans turn on coach

Published: 7 hours ago

Fury erupted at Rufaro Stadium yesterday as angry Caps United fans hurled missiles onto the pitch and confronted coach Ian Bakala following a crushing 3-1 home defeat to ZPC Kariba that dragged the Green Machine deeper into the relegation scrap.

The loss left Caps United languishing in 11th place on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table with 31 points, just three above the drop zone with seven matches to play. For a club of their stature, the position has become unthinkable, and the performance only amplified supporters' frustrations.

Caps United started sluggishly despite brief early control, while ZPC Kariba looked sharper and more purposeful. After being denied a clear penalty shout in the 12th minute, the visitors soon made their dominance count. Striker Moses Demera struck twice in quick succession — first with a scruffy effort in the 18th minute that bounced awkwardly past goalkeeper Stephen Kwaku, and again five minutes later after Kwaku failed to hold onto a shot.

Bissila Mabiala briefly revived Caps United's hopes with a 35th-minute header from a Tanaka Shandirwa free kick, but ZPC Kariba remained in command, rattling the crossbar and post while forcing Kwaku into a string of saves.

As the hosts chased an equaliser in stoppage time, they were punished again when substitute Charles Munyanyi glanced home a corner in the 98th minute, sealing victory for the visitors.

The win lifted ZPC Kariba to 37 points, a tally historically sufficient for survival, sparking jubilant celebrations among their players and travelling fans.

In stark contrast, Caps United's supporters responded with anger, preventing Bakala from giving his post-match interview and venting their fears of a looming relegation fight in the season's tense final stretch.

Teams

Caps United: S Kwaku, W Milanzi (S Mzinde, 92'), B Kangwa, B Kadamanja, C Chitoshi, T Shandirwa, K Benyu, J Bunjira (A Tende, 46'), P Bamusi, J Bakari (A Saheed, 64'), B Mabiala.

ZPC Kariba: F Sibanda, C Musikavanhu, M Gavaza, S Chimanikire, K Madima, C Muleya, E Ruwo (M Kamwendo, 48'), W Kamurayi (F Shoko, 49'), G Hute (S Makawa, 85'), M Demera (C Munyanyi, 49'), S Ngala.
- Newsday -

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