HARARE – CAPS United opened a two-point cushion at the top of the Premier League table on Sunday with a battling 1-0 victory over TelOne at Rufaro.
Takesure Chiragwi’s men, coming from a frustrating 1-1 draw with newly promoted Hunters last week, secured maximum points through Takunda Benhura’s 38th-minute winner.
TelOne skipper Frank Makarati’s attempted clearance was intercepted by Talent Chamboko, whose looping far-post cross was headed back across goal by Brett Amidu.
The header caught goalkeeper Takudzwa Chikosi – who had raced off his line to cut out the cross – out of position, leaving Benhura to bring the ball under control and coolly convert as TelOne defenders scrambled to intercept.
Former joint leaders Hardrock slipped up at home, settling for a 2-2 draw with Ngezi Platinum.
Twice Ngezi led and twice the home side drew level. The visitors went ahead midway through the first half when Malvin Gaki finished from close range after being played in by Tinotenda Marasiranwa.
Hardrock captain Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye restored parity shortly after the break, heading home from Tinashe Mashaireni’s corner delivery.
Back came Ngezi. Gaki intercepted a Nyenye pass and quickly fed Arshwin Karengesha, who fired in from the edge of the box.
Hardrock’s sustained pressure was finally rewarded with eight minutes remaining as Washington Navaya turned home the leveller after latching on to Misheck Ngwenya’s long ball.
In another high-scoring draw, FC Platinum and MWOS shared the spoils 2-2 at Mandava. The home side twice led through Abraham Mbakonja Tjahikika’s 15th-minute freekick and Trevor Bhunu’s 70th-minute finish before Wilson Mensah and Principe Magondo pegged them back.
Platinum finished with nine men after Jeremiah Makangira was sent off for dissent and Tadiwa Muchenje saw red following a heavy challenge on Billy Veremu late on.
Agama held Simba Bhora 2-2 at Wadzanai Stadium, while Triangle beat winless Manica Diamonds 2-0 at Gibbo through goals from Steven Zhogi and Jayden Bakari.
Title-chasing Dynamos were inactive this weekend after their opponents Scottland featured in the Independence Cup final in Maphisa on Saturday, which they won 1-0 over Highlanders.
Highlanders’ league fixture with Chicken Inn was also postponed as a result.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Results
Agama 2-2 Simba Bhora, Hardrock 2-2 Ngezi Platinum, FC Platinum 2-2 MWOS, CAPS United 1-0 TelOne; Triangle 2-0 Manica Diamonds
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