Madzungu stars as Hardrock, CAPS United share spoils in six-goal thriller

Rising Hardrock FC star Wilfred Madzungu put up a Man of the Match performance upon his introduction in the second half in a six-goal thriller against CAPS United at Chahwanda Stadium on Sunday.

Madzungu notched a brace in three minutes, while Washington Navaya scored Hardrock’s other goal. For CAPS United, Kudzai Chigwida, Obriel Chirinda and Chris Mugalu were on target. The match ended 3-3.

This was a high tempo match, and Hardrock FC were the first to show intent, with Marshall Gavaza’s lofted effort from close range going over the bar in the first minute.

From the fifth minute, it turned out to be a midfield battle, as CAPS United deployed three defensive midfielders: Dominic Njaliwa, Tanaka Sbandirwa and Richard Hachiro.

Hardrock were anchored by Munashe Bamara and Neliswa Dlamini, as Donald Mudadi spurred Hardrock’s forays. And it was the Kwekwe-based side that struck first, via Washington Navaya who slotted the ball home from Donald Mudadi’s assist.

CAPS United responded after 39 minutes through Kudzai Chigwida with a powerful strike from close range as Hardrock failed to clear their lines.

First, goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga repelled Njaliwa’s shot from outside the box, but his defenders failed to clear before Chigwida pounced and scored.

Caps United vs Hardrock FC at Chahwanda stadium. Picture by Libertino

HARDROCK, CAPS UNITED SHARE SPOILS

Hardrock FC almost scored on the stroke of half-time but veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi had to make an acrobatic tip, denying Samuel Makawa’s effort over the bar.

They were deadlocked at half-time, but CAPS were quick to get ahead upon resumption. The turning point of the match came when Hardrock FC coach Kelvin Kaindu introduced Wilfred Madzungu and new signing Prince Dube for Makawa and Sambulo Simelane.

Madzungu was a menace from the wing. The rising star equalized with a neat header from a corner kick on the 71st minute. Two minutes later, he headed the ball home from close range past Arubi from a Lennox Mucheto cross.

Hardrock FC thought they had won, but Gerald Takwara, who was introduced on the 77th minute, made a costly blunder, being dispossessed by Obriel Chirinda who picked out Chris Mugalu on the counter, to tap the ball home and level matters yet again.

In the end, it was a share of spoila between the two sides, with Hardrock now sitting on 38 points in 19 matches. Scottland sit on 46 points, seven points ahead of Hardrock on second position.

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