Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira and Oscar Rusenga, Zimpapers Sports Hub
BARBOURFIELDS Stadium turned into a roaring cauldron on Sunday as Highlanders summoned every ounce of their famous fighting spirit to storm into the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals. Spurred on by a deafening home crowd, Bosso clawed back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Scottland before sealing a 2-1 penalty shootout victory that sets up a mouth-watering showdown with old foes Dynamos.
The afternoon began with nerves and disbelief. Kingsley Mureremba, a late replacement for the ill Frederick Ansah Botchway, stunned the packed stands after only eight minutes with a thunderbolt. Khama Billiat deepened the silence in the 33rd minute, his crisp strike from the edge of the box giving Scottland a cushion that briefly muted the home end.
But Bosso do not bow easily at Emagumeni. Four minutes later, Learnmore Muyambo rose high to nod home, and the terraces erupted back to life. The second-half was one-way traffic as Prince Ndlovu, Martin Nhubu, and Benjamin Odeogun poured forward, urged on by a wall of sound. The breakthrough came at the death when centre-half Andrew Mbeba powered through the box and carefully placed a low shot inside the post — a composed yet forceful finish that sent the stadium into a frenzy.
The shootout piled pressure on both teams. Highlanders fluffed their opening two kicks but held their nerve for the next two, while Scottland converted only their first before crumbling. Veteran goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda, serenaded by thousands, saved three spot kicks to finish the job and spark wild celebrations.
“It was a game with two phases. In the first-half, Scottland dictated. In the second, we were in control and pushed them back,” said Highlanders coach Pieter De Jongh. “Big up to the fans, they came in their numbers and gave the team that extra push.”
Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya could only salute the comeback. “The goal to level was brilliant from Mbeba’s side but disappointing from us — five defenders were in position. We had the advantage in penalties, but our players were under pressure and couldn’t convert. Credit to Highlanders for showing character. I wish them the best as they face Dynamos in the next round. For us, it’s tough luck.”
The victory ignites one of Zimbabwean football’s fiercest rivalries as Highlanders now brace for a semi-final duel with Dynamos.
While Bosso lit up Bulawayo, MWOS FC quietly took care of business in Triangle. The ambitious Mashonaland West side brushed aside Bikita Minerals 3-1 to book a last-four date with Triangle, who had dismissed Manica Diamonds 2-0 a day earlier.
MWOS struck early and stayed ruthless. Clive Kwangwari punished slack defending in the fifth minute. After a cagey spell, Jeremiah Makangira whipped in a perfect 69th-minute cross that Arthur Banda buried with a towering header. Bikita’s Tadiwanashe Murasiranwa briefly raised hope with a fierce strike, but Wilson Mensah killed the contest with a curling free kick ten minutes from time.
“I am deeply hurt with this loss. It adds more misery for me, especially losing again at Gibbo Stadium. But I must say I’m impressed with the effort the boys put in. It just wasn’t our day. We’ll now focus all our energy on the Premiership fight,” said Bikita coach Wilson Mutekede.
MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa praised his side’s efficiency. “I’m happy with the win and the overall performance. The boys were clinical and utilised their chances well. It’s always a great feeling to win away from home,” he said.
Rest in peace my man. The whole social space will not be the same without you.