Chapungu…....................................(1) 1 Njube Sundowns….............................0 CHAPUNGU finally remembered how to win after a Dumisani Mupfudze first half strike ensured they posted their first CBZ Premiership victory over Njube Sundowns at Ascot.

Mupfudze struck the goal that made all the difference in the 39th minute to end a winless Chapungu run that had spanned six games and led to the dismissal of the management led by Ernest Matsambira two weeks ago.

Although their team might have struggled with their game, yesterday’s victory also gave the new Chapungu executive led by Daniel Mpofu a warm welcome in their spell in charge of the side.

Sundowns could also count themselves unlucky as their most reliable striker Evans Chikwaikwai came short in front of goal on numerous occasions.

Chikwaikwai could have opened the score sheet after seven minutes when he broke loose on the right flank, but hurried his effort, which was blocked by goalkeeper Joram Muchambo.

Though impressive in their build-ups, the airmen were also found wanting in front of goal and in the 21st minute, Francis Kanda almost seemed to have found the opener, but hit the cross-bar after their hosts had found their way through the Sundowns defence.

A minute later, Mupfudze failed to punish Sundowns after receiving a Maurani Phiri clearance but with the goalkeeper drawn out, the Chapungu hitman shot wide.

In the 28th minute, Chikwaikwai headed wide in front of Muchambo and four minutes later he was to watch in disbelief as his header was cleared off the line by Mathew Mahala.

In the 39th minute, Mupfudze thrust Chapungu ahead with a grounder after an impressive build-up.

Four minutes after the breather, Chikwaikwai, who deserved a hat-trick from this match, should have found the equaliser but shot wide with Muchambo beaten.

He failed to punish the goalkeeper again 10 minutes later after Muchambo rushed off his line.

Twelve minutes before the end, Allan Chimuka forced Phiri to draw out his best save after dangling the ball dangerously in the box, but the goalkeeper did well to concede a corner.

Four minutes later Chikwaikwai forced the best from Muchambo who punched the ball out for a corner.

The airmen might have won, but they are still in danger of relegation especially in view of the wins posted by such teams like CAPS United, Masvingo United, and Lancashire Steel, who are also fighting against the chop.

Meanwhile, Masvingo United continued with their battle against relegation when they thumped Kiglon 3-1 at Mucheke yesterday.

The hosts surged ahead through a Milton Makopa first half strike before veteran strikers Lloyd Hlahla and Zambian David Mutale, who came on as a substitute, made sure of victory when adding a goal each in the second period.

Teams:

Chapungu: J. Muchambo, G. Hlangabeza, T. Samkange, T. Marimo, M. Mahala, R. Sibanda, P. Shonhai, A. Chimuka, E. Gwitima, D. Mupfudze, F. Kanda.

Njube Sundowns: M. Phiri, S. Banda, E. Chikwaikwai, M. Webb, H. Masuku (I. Tayengwa 64th min), E. Phiri (D. Chivandire 83rd min), D. Mukandi, T. Ngulube, T. Kamusoko, T. Gwaringesu