Brandon Moyo at Luveve
A second half strike from exciting youngster Genius Mutungamiri was all it took to separate Chicken Inn FC and the visiting Greenfuel FC side in a Chibuku Super Cup encounter played at Luveve Stadium on Saturday.
Mutungamiri, who usually comes in as a substitute in the Gamecocks’ league matches, found the back of the net in the 58th minute off a brilliant shot on the edge of the box.
It was a stunning effort from the left-footed winger, who curled the ball to hand Chicken Inn the much needed victory over a stubborn Greenfuel side.
However, the Greenfuel showstopper David Bizabani would feel he could have done more to prevent the goal as he was in a better position.
The first half of the match had less goalmouth action with both sides missing the few chances that they created. Bizabani, however managed to make a couple of brilliant saves to deny Chicken Inn the chance to go in front.
The visitors also had their fair share of chances, but at the end of the first 45 minutes, there was nothing to separate the two.
In search of the breakthrough, both teams made changes at halftime, as they brought in Itai Mabhunu to replace Xolani Ndlovu while at Greenfuel, Nelson Mwasanga came in for Bukhosi Sibanda.
The Chicken Inn substitution paid dividends as 13 minutes later, they managed to go ahead. The goal scorer, Mutungamiri was later replaced by striker Brian Muza with 16 minutes left on the clock.
Despite numerous changes and attempts to get the equaliser, it was not to be for Greenfuel. At the stroke of full time, the visitors had a chance to level matters after they were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box, however, their effort went just over bar.
The Gamecocks managed to hold on to their one goal advantage to progress to the next stage of the country’s premier club football cup competition.
For the Gamecocks gaffer, Prince Matore it was a deserved victory while for Rodwell Dhlakama at Greenfuel, it is back to the drawing board.
OTHER RESULTS:
Ngezi Platinum 2-1 Triangle United
Dynamos 1-0 Simba Bhora
FC Platinum 4-0 Yadah
Manica Diamonds 1-1 Black Rhinos
(Rhinos win 6-5 on penalties)