Nyasha Chintuli emerged the hero on Sunday afternoon at Rufaro Stadium, scoring the only goal of the match as CAPS United edged rivals Highlanders 1-0 in a closely fought Premier Soccer League (PSL) encounter. The result brought a much-needed morale boost to the Green Machine, who had endured a three-match winless run heading into the clash.
The tension in the stadium was palpable from kickoff, with both sets of fans filling the iconic Harare venue in anticipation of a classic contest. However, the first half failed to live up to its billing as both teams approached the game with caution. Midfield battles dominated the opening 45 minutes, with neither side able to carve out clear-cut chances.
CAPS United’s defense remained solid under pressure from Highlanders’ forwards, who struggled to penetrate the disciplined backline. At the other end, Highlanders’ goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda was rarely tested in the early stages, as CAPS looked to find their rhythm.
The game sprang to life in the second half. With both coaches urging their teams forward, the tempo increased noticeably. CAPS United gradually found their footing, and their persistence paid off in the 67th minute. Winger Phenias Bamusi picked up the ball on the left flank and sliced through the Highlanders’ defense with a brilliant through-pass. Chintuli timed his run perfectly, ghosting into the box and calmly slotting the ball past Sibanda to give CAPS the lead.
Rufaro Stadium erupted with cheers as Green Machine fans celebrated the goal that broke the deadlock. For Chintuli, it was a moment of redemption after a quiet first half, and for CAPS, it was a turning point in a match that could have gone either way.
Highlanders responded by committing more players forward, desperate to snatch an equaliser. They nearly found it in the 83rd minute when substitute Brighton Ncube fired a powerful shot from just inside the box, but CAPS United goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga was equal to the task, producing a stunning save to preserve the slender lead.
Despite several late attacks and a couple of nervy moments in stoppage time, CAPS United held firm and saw out the match to claim all three points. The result moved them to ninth place on the PSL table with 28 points, putting them level with Highlanders, who now sit in eighth on goal difference.
CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe praised his players’ fighting spirit and discipline after the match, saying, “It was a tough game against a quality side, but I’m proud of how the boys applied themselves, especially in the second half. This win is for our supporters who have stood by us.”
Chintuli’s Strike Sinks Highlanders as CAPS United Return to Winning Ways
For Highlanders, the defeat is a setback in their hopes of climbing into the top six, and coach Kelvin Kaindu admitted his side lacked sharpness in front of goal. “We created some good opportunities but couldn’t convert. Credit to CAPS for taking their chance,” he said.
Elsewhere in the league, Chicken Inn delivered a stunning performance to thrash Dynamos 3-0 in Bulawayo, piling pressure on the Harare giants. Triangle United also impressed, recording a convincing 3-0 win over Bikita Minerals.
At Sakubva Stadium in Mutare, log leaders Simba Bhora were held to a 1-1 draw by Manica Diamonds. The Shamva-based side had taken the lead through Nomore Tsabora early in the first half, but Anelka Chiwandire’s 80th-minute strike ensured the home side shared the spoils. The result, however, allowed Simba Bhora to extend their lead at the top of the table to 44 points—two ahead of second-placed MWOS, who have 42.
With the title race heating up and the battle for top-eight positions intensifying, the PSL continues to deliver drama, upsets, and thrilling football. Every point is now vital as the season heads into its decisive stages.
Sunday PSL Results:
CAPS United 1–0 Highlanders
Chicken Inn 3–0 Dynamos
Triangle United 3–0 Bikita Minerals
Manica Diamonds 1–1 Simba Bhora
