Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Blackrock…………………………………….…….0
Highlanders……………………………………..…0
(Blackeock won 5-3 on penalties)
FOR the second day running, the Colliery proved to be a burial ground for a giant of local football.
First, it was Dynamos who fell to Hwange on Saturday in the Munhumutapa Cup first round matches.
Yesterday, it was the turn of Highlanders to also crash out at the hands of a lower division side.
Andrew Mbeba was the unlikely villain after his opening spot-kick was saved by Blackrock goalkeeper Alfred Phiri, handing the underdogs the initiative en-route to a famous victory and a place in the last 16.
Highlanders had entered the contest as overwhelming favourites but Blackrock refused to be bullied,
The hosts produced a spirited and disciplined display to frustrate their more fancied opponents for 90 minutes.
The upset was even more remarkable given that Highlanders’ developmental side, Bosso 90, have often got the better of Blackrock in previous meetings.
But yesterday was a different story.
Blackrock came out firing and immediately matched Highlanders for intensity, while their organised defence ensured the visitors found little room to operate in the final third.
Rainsome Pavari had Highlanders’ first real opportunity in the fifth minute.
The match quickly developed into a physical battle, with Blackrock captain Tobani Ncube booked in the 10th minute before Kuda Mahachi followed him into the referee’s notebook a minute later.
Highlanders struggled to impose themselves as the opening-half intensity gradually subsided, although Elphany Gwavava and Mongameli Tshuma produced occasional flashes of quality.
Neither side could break the deadlock before half-time.
Highlanders returned from the break with renewed urgency and began to pin Blackrock back, but the home side’s backline stood firm.
Mahachi won a dangerous free-kick on the edge of the box, giving Highlanders a golden opportunity to finally breach the Blackrock resistance.
The final whistle confirmed what had looked increasingly likely, penalties would decide the tie.
And from the spot, Blackrock were ice-cold.
Masikati, Chibatamoto, Mheremombe, Taruvinga and Chuma all converted to give the hosts a perfect five from five.
