CAPS United stumbled at home against Ngezi Platinum Stars, losing 2-1 in a match played at National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The Green Machine had a slow start to the game and played second fiddle for the larger part of the first half.

Ngezi delivered a great performance on their side and could have secured a lead as early as in the 7th minute, but Polite Moyo’s header hit the crossbar.

The visitors continued to experience a spell of dominance, and they finally broke the deadlock on minute 22 when Donald Tegeru scored from a close range.

CAPS United’s right flank proved to be the most vulnerable and coach Lloyd Chitembwe was forced to make a tactical change a just after the half-hour when Valentine Musarurwa replaced Carlos Rusere.

The change, however, didn’t bring any effect as Ngezi netted their second goal from that channel through Tichaona Mabvura on the 42nd minute.

Makepekepe pulled one back on the stroke of half-time courtesy of Hardlife Zvirekwi’s grounder.

The goal seemed to have given the hosts some momentum on the middle park, but they were frustrated upfront and never made any threatening raids until the last minutes of the game.

Substitute Kelvin Ndebele was denied by the cross-bar while Method Mwanjali’s shot was saved by Nelson Chadya.

Dominic Chungwa also had an opportunity earlier on, but his effort was superbly denied by the keeper.

The match ended 2-1 in favour of the visiting Ngezi Platinum team.

Elsewhere, Hwange played to a 1-1 draw with ten-man TelOne while Mushowani Stars blew a two-goal advantage to settle for a 2-2 stalemate against ZPC Kariba.

Results:

CAPS United 1-2 Ngezi Platinum Stars
Hwange 1-1 TelOne
Mushowani Stars 2-2 ZPC Kariba