Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Highlanders 2-2 Scottland
(Highlanders win 2-1 on penalties)
BARBOURFIELDS erupted into a frenzy as veteran goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda turned back the clock, producing three stunning penalty saves to drag Highlanders into the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals at the expense of Scottland FC.
The blockbuster clash ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, forcing a nail-biting shootout. Scottland completely lost their nerve, missing four of their five spot kicks, while Bosso held theirs to edge through.
It was a comeback for the ages. Highlanders were dead and buried after just 33 minutes, trailing 2-0 to a ruthless Scottland side. Kingsley Mureremba opened the floodgates in the eighth minute with a screamer before Khama Billiat doubled the lead with a thunderbolt that silenced the Bosso faithful.
But just when the visitors thought they had crushed Bosso’s spirit, Learnmore Muyambo rose high to nod home a lifeline four minutes later.
As the clock ticked down, the Bulawayo giants threw everything forward and were finally rewarded in the dying moments when Andrew Mbeba smashed home a dramatic equaliser to send the stadium into wild celebrations.
Scottland wilted under pressure in the shootout. Sibanda, the seasoned warrior, was immense between the sticks, pulling off three saves and sealing a victory that looked unlikely after a disastrous start.
Bosso coach Baltemar Brito praised his side’s fighting spirit.
“This team never gives up. Ariel showed his class and the boys showed heart,” said Brito.
For Scottland, it was heartbreak. Former Bosso captain Peter Muduhwa, now leading the visitors, left the pitch dejected as his team’s dream crumbled.
Bosso now march into the last four with their sights firmly set on lifting silverware.
Teams:
Highlanders: A. Sibanda, A. Ndlovu, M. Hativagoni, A. Mbeba, M. Mushore (B. Mlotshwa 83’), N. Rauzhi (T. Muvuti 83’), L. Mutumbi (A. Nyondo 70’), M. Nhubu (P. Ndlovu 46’), L. Muyambo, B. Odeogun (D. Munkuli 46’)
Scottland: T. Shumba, P. Muduhwa, G. Murwira, R. Pfumbidzai, K. Mureremba, M. Msebe (M. Tapera 59’), M. Chigumira, M. Chihweta (T. Dzvukamanja 59’), V. Kawe (A. Manenji 79’), M. Shidolo, K. Billiat (T. Machope 68’)
