SOCCER ROUNDUP WITH CAJ NEWS AGENCY

Asipo Haapo, as Masvingo United are affectionately called, hammered all the four goals in the second half of the match after succumbing to an early scare by the hosts.
Earlier on the Mighty Bulls, as Motor Action are commonly referred to, had instilled some fears into the Masvingo United camp when the hosts surged ahead through a well orchestrated volley by Last Chibwiro in the 22nd minute.
However, the goal did not dampen any fighting spirit for Masvingo United players as they came back from the breather a more formidable side bombarding the hosts from left, right and centre.
It came as no surprise when the busmen fired four quick goals through Zimbabwe international under-23 striker Ovidy Karuru, Milton Makapa and a double from Zambian international David Mutale to silence the embattled Harare premiership side.
The victory saw Masvingo United dislodge Bosso from the top of the league log amassing 25 points while second placed Highlanders are now two points behind WeZhira.
The Taurai Mangwiro coached Masvingo United meant business from the onset as they combined well from the defence, midfield and strike-force.
Despite falling a goal down, the busmen always looked composed with all the 11 players in the field of play showing confidence in their ball possession, ball distribution, accurate passing, tough marking as a team when they lost the ball, chasing opponents each time they were under attack and some encouraging spirited efforts in supporting the man with the ball.
The tactic by head coach Mangwiro worked wonders in the second half when the youthful team started scoring goals galore to subdue their much fancied Harare counterparts.
The Motor Action’s number one goalkeeper Innocent Kambanje had a torrid time on Saturday when he thwarted some threatening raids from Karuru, Mutale overlapping defender Godfrey Dondo, who kept assisting the front-runners with his deft touches from the right back.
Masvingo United, who boasted of solid defence of Sapren Muchabaya, Dondo and the always dependable goalkeeping of Tafadzwa Dube were in uncompromising mood as they continuously demonstrated resilience when they denied the hosts several raids that would earned Motor Action a point.
CAPS United, who had an opportunity of shooting to the top of the league log standing, fumbled their opportunity when held to a goalless draw by the army side Black Rhinos at Rufaro Stadium.
Masvingo United, who appear to be improving each game are set to walk away with the 2007 premiership league title if they maintain the momentum.


Hwange Football Club – 1 – Eastern Lions
HWANGE – Nation Dube has helped Hwange Football Club snatch a vital point from the vastly improved Eastern region premiership newcomers, Eastern Lions when the two teams settled for a 1-1 draw in an encounter strongly contested at the Colliery Stadium on Sunday.
Hwange Football Club, who fired their head coach Paul Moyo earlier on in the season created so many scoring chances but could not utilise the gilt-edged chances they created.
The hosts took the lead through Gilbert Zulu after some fanciful works in the midfield by the youthful team.
But the Eastern Lions could not be intimidated as they fought back with verve threatening an early equaliser.
The Mutare based premiership later equalised through Cyril Muzambwa, who pounced from the blind side to rifle home from close range, giving the visitors the much needed draw.
The hosts, who could not match the visitors towards the dying moments of the game relied heavily on some defensive tactics as they found the Eastern Lions strikers attacking from all angles.

CAPS Football Club – 1 – Lancashire Steel
HARARE – Struggling CAPS Football Club were held to a 1-1 draw by visiting Lancashire Steel in an exciting CBZ premiership encounter contested at Gwanzura Stadium on Sunday.
The embattled Harare side, who engaged former Warriors head coach Misheck Chidzambwa (formerly Misheck Marimo) found the going tough against the steel manufacturers.
CAPS FC took an early lead in the first half through Casper Machona but the goal was a short-lived one as the visitors fought back tenaciously with a view to share the spoils.
It came as no surprise when Abton Chekai equalised for Lancashire Steel, an important away point that had helped the Kwekwe based steel manufacturers to keep alive their hopes of ending this season among the top five top premiership clubs.
CAPS FC, former Buymore Football Club, are finding 2007 as tough season for them as they could not afford to win even home games.
If the Harare premiership side continues to fluff some glorious opportunities, fail to utilise of home advantage, the relegation zone might be ringing loud bells for the-