CAPS United’s struggles continued at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Yadah, a result that has left the Green Machine teetering dangerously close to the relegation zone.
With just 28 points, CAPS are now only a single point clear of fourth-from-bottom GreenFuel, who sit on 27. If their form does not improve, they could soon find themselves in the same precarious situation as their bitter city rivals, Dynamos.
Yadah, known as the Miracle Boys, struck first through Innocent Muchaneka, whose thunderous free-kick in the 27th minute left goalkeeper Harmony Nare stranded. King Nadolo nearly doubled the advantage before the break, but his fierce strike crashed against the crossbar.
The Miracle Boys pressed their advantage again after the interval. Substitute Tanaka Chikumba, who had earlier wasted a golden chance, made amends in the 57th minute by finishing off a neat move assisted by Nadolo to put Yadah firmly in control.
CAPS United tried to mount a late fightback. Love Mabiala pulled one back in stoppage time after good work from Junior Bunjira and had another chance to level matters moments later, but he fluffed the opportunity, sealing CAPS’ fate.
It was another afternoon of frustration for coach Ian Bakala, who admitted that injuries to key players such as Tanaka Shandirwa and Bruno Kadamanja have left his side severely weakened. Constant changes to the starting XI have disrupted consistency, and the loss of Bernard Chipanera early in the match only deepened their woes.
For Yadah, the win was a welcome relief in their fight for survival. Coach Takaendesa Jongwe praised his side’s resilience and intensity, acknowledging that every point is vital at this stage of the season. The victory lifted them to 28 points, level with CAPS United, though the Harare giants remain a spot higher in 12th place on goal difference.
With just a handful of fixtures left, both sides remain firmly in the relegation dogfight. For CAPS United, however, the pressure is mounting — and unless they arrest their slide quickly, they could be staring at a nightmare finish to the campaign.
