Makepekepe edge Agama

CAPS United yesterday defeated recently promoted Agama FC 2-1 at home to begin their 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign.

It was an exciting match from beginning to end. Twelve minutes into the game, Green Machine forward Ishmael Wadi headed home a knockdown by teammate Obriel Chirinda after a cross from Junior Bunjira.

Makepekepe kept probing in search of an insurance goal, but a lack of cutting edge in front of goal saw them go to the break leading one-nil.

However, the visitors returned from the interval with more determination and they duly found an equaliser in the 50th minute when an unmarked Ralph Nyamupurika fired past CAPS goalkeeper Wallace Magalane.

This prompted CAPS United coach Takesure Chiragwi to make immediate offensive substitutions, introducing Takunda Benhura, Tinotenda Meke, Lloyd Njaliwa, and later Alleny Mukombedzi.

The changes paid dividends in the 77th minute when Mukombedzi restored the lead, firing home a cross from Wadi.

The goal proved decisive, earning the Harare giants their first maximum points of the season. Although it is still early days, the win saw CAPS United climb to the top of the log standings, much to the satisfaction of Cheraw.

“I think we played well because we didn’t know much about them, but as we progressed with the game, we also started to hear how they play, their strength and everything.

“In the second half, we tried to make sure that we can also utilise our strength and also try to diffuse their strength

“All in all, I think what was important is to make sure we start the season with a positive result and that’s what we did and I’m happy,” said Chiragwi.

Despite the defeat, Agama FC coach Mark Mathe was encouraged by his troops’ performance.

“I’m not disappointed with the performance, application, or competitiveness; I think we were spot on. We just need to improve on certain areas, but overall I think we are on the right track,” said Mathe.

Meanwhile, the much-hyped encounter between newcomers Hardrock and the defending champions ended in a draw at the newly constructed Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe yesterday. Despite both sides boasting experienced players, neither could find the back of the net.

Elsewhere, 2024 league winners, Simba Bhora picked up their first three points of the season courtesy of an injury-time goal by Carlos Makumbira.

At Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo, Highlanders had to come from behind to snatch a point in the 81st minute when Benjamin Adeogun converted a penalty kick.

 Bulawayo Chiefs had earlier taken the lead in the 27th minute through a Zibusiso Dambo strike.