Chapungu enhanced their chances of surviving the drop in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League after they defeated visiting Black Rhinos in a midweek clash at Ascot Stadium in Gweru yesterday.
Clive Rupiya's second half stunner helped the airmen collect maximum points, having lost their last game at the hands of FC Platinum.
Both sides had a drab first half in which the visitors did not make any meaningful attempts at goal.
The airmen, on the other hand, were not convincing in front of goal, but turned on the style in the second half to break the deadlock through Rupiya on the 52nd minute.
The former Bulawayo City forward got to the end of Hilary Mugoniwa's cross with a powerful acrobatic shot straight into the roof of the net, leaving Rhinos goalie Ashley Reyners rooted at one spot. Chapungu gaffer Rodwell Dlakama was pleased with his side's performance.
His counterpart Herbert Maruwa was disappointed with the result. "It was a tough match, but pretty balanced. They got their chance and they punished us. That is football," he said.
After the win, Chapungu moved to 24 points, three clear of the drop zone.
Chapungu: T Shumba, T Kumbuyani, H Mugoniwa, C Kwaramba, B Mbavarira, M Moenda, E Chirape (I Nyoni 53), P Marufu (O Mukuradare 81), J Jam, B Mugoni, (E Chitauro 90), C Rupiya.