derick.khumalo
Fungai Muderere
HIGHLANDERS have been drawn against CAPS United in the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals, setting up a heavyweight clash between two of Zimbabwe’s biggest football names.
In the other last-four showdown, Hardrock will face FC Hunters after all four teams survived a dramatic quarter-final round that produced three penalty shootouts.
The semi-finals are scheduled for the weekend of October 31-November 1, with the final set for November 28.
For Highlanders, their place in the last four was secured after they walked the penalty tightrope against MWOS, eventually prevailing 3-2 on penalties.
Arthur Banda gave MWOS the lead in the 28th minute, but Royn Nyamono restored parity for Highlanders in the 60th minute.
Neither side could find the decisive goal before the final whistle, leaving the tie to be settled from 12 yards.
Bosso eventually prevailed, sparking celebrations and keeping their Chibuku Super Cup dream alive.
Highlanders coach Benjani “The Undertaker” Mwaruwari was delighted.
“It’s good that we have advanced to the next stage. We had much control of the game. In Hwange we lost on penalties but today (Sunday), we had luck on our side which is very pleasing,” said Mwaruwari.
Hardrock completed the last-four cast with a gritty 1-0 victory over reigning Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Scottland at Rufaro Stadium on Wednesday.
Neliswa “Tiger” Dlamini delivered the knockout blow in the 15th minute, rising to meet Lennox Mucheto’s cross and powering a header into the net.
Scottland had the rest of the match to find a response, but Hardrock stood firm, frustrating the champions and protecting their precious lead until the final whistle.
It was the only quarter-final that did not require the drama of a penalty shootout.
CAPS United survived a huge scare against ZPC Kariba at Rufaro on Saturday after Malvin Whata put the power utility side ahead in the 75th minute.
With the clock ticking down, CAPS appeared headed for the exit before Dominic Njalwa rescued them five minutes from time.
The Green Machine restored parity and forced the match into penalties, where CAPS kept their cool, converting four spot-kicks while ZPC Kariba managed only two to bow out 4-2.
FC Hunters produced another late escape against Dynamos.
The Harare giants looked to have seized control when Frank Agyemang converted from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute.
But Hunters refused to surrender.
Odrain Sira struck in the 85th minute to drag the lower-league side level and send the contest into a shootout.
Hunters then showed nerves of steel, winning 4-1 on penalties to send Dynamos crashing out and book their place in the last four.
Three quarter-finals went to penalties.
One was settled in 90 minutes.
Now, the surviving four are left standing, with the road to the Chibuku Super Cup final wide open.
— @FungaiMuderere.
Online Reporter