HARARE – Chicken Inn took command of the Premier League title race with a battling 1-0 victory over relegation-haunted Mushowani Stars at Trojan on Wednesday.
With CAPS United not in action until Thursday afternoon, Chicken Inn and FC Platinum who beat Manica Diamonds 2-0 leapfrogged the Harare club into first and second respectively.
Chicken Inn boss Joey Antipas, who took a break from the national team, watched his team survive a first half penalty miss before scoring the most important goal early in the second half when Innocent Mucheneka drilled in a low strike past Stars goalkeeper Admire Masuka.
The match could have been so different, however, after the hosts got an early penalty as referee Pedzisai Chadya penalised Tichaona Chipunza for handball.
After lengthy protests from the visitors, Paul Chiramba took the responsibility but missed the target.
FC Platinum also kept themselves in contention with a crucial victory away to Manica Diamonds after last weekend’s shock defeat to Bulawayo Chiefs.
Gift Mbweti’s neat first half finish and Rodwell Chinyengetere’s close range strike late in the second half kept the Zvishavane club in the hunt at Vengere Stadium.
Chicken Inn and FC Platinum are separated by goal difference at the top with 52 points apiece.
CAPS United can reclaiming pole position with victory over ZPC Kariba at the National Sports Stadium on Thursday. United are a point behind the leaders with a game in hand.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Results
Wednesday
Bulawayo Chiefs 0-0 Hwange; Mushowani Stars 0-1 Chicken Inn; Harare City 2-2 TelOne; Manica Diamonds 0-2 FC Platinum; Triangle United 1-1 Herentals; Black Rhinos 0-1 Yadah; Highlanders 1-1 Ngezi Platinum; Chapungu 1-2 Dynamos
