Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Munhumutapa Challenge Cup round of 32 fixture produced its share of surprises yesterday, with Hwange sending giants Dynamos crashing out while Bulawayo Chiefs, Herentals, Jordan FC and Hardrock FC also secured berths in the last 16.
At the Colliery Stadium, Hwange produced a disciplined cup performance to edge Dynamos 1-0, with Morestuff Ncube’s stunning strike in first-half optional time separating the two sides.
Dynamos enjoyed much of the possession and created openings, but Hwange showed the greater ruthlessness when it mattered, before producing a resolute defensive display after the break to protect their advantage.
Ncube’s goal came against the run of play.
A long ball was headed into his path in the centre and the Hwange forward reacted brilliantly, turning before unleashing a thunderous first-time effort that crashed into the roof of the net, leaving Dynamos goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni with no chance.
Dynamos had an opportunity to respond almost immediately, but Elton Njini failed to punish the hosts when he was presented with a golden chance from a Christopher Netty cross in first-half optional time.
Njini ghosted in from the blind side with the goal at his mercy, only to send his effort over the bar.
That miss assumed greater significance as Hwange tightened up after the interval.
Captain Splendour Mwembe led from the back as the hosts absorbed pressure and frustrated the visitors, who struggled to turn their territorial advantage into clear-cut chances.
Burkina Faso international Ben Daouda Sidibé and Leroy Mavhunga had provided some spark for Dynamos, but their surprise withdrawal midway through the second half, with Frank Agyemang and Witness Shave coming on, appeared to affect the visitors’ attacking momentum.
Hwange held firm to complete one of the round’s biggest upsets and send one of Zimbabwe’s traditional football giants out of the competition.
At Luveve Stadium, Bulawayo Chiefs also booked their place in the last 16 after edging Agama 1-0.
Clive Rupiya scored after the interval to settle a tightly contested encounter in which Agama had enjoyed some promising moments before the break.
The visitors were left to rue their failure to convert those opportunities, with assistant coach Godfrey Tamirepi admitting that their lack of ruthlessness had proved costly.
“We had our chances in the first half but unfortunately we did not take them,” Tamirepi said.
For Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino, the priority was simply to survive and advance.
“We are happy with the result and, most importantly, we have progressed to the next stage,” Nyikadzino said.
The Bulawayo side managed the game effectively after Rupiya’s breakthrough, displaying the defensive discipline required to negotiate a knockout tie.
There was also drama in Gwanda, where Jordan FC eliminated Gwanda Pirates on penalties after the two sides failed to break the deadlock during regulation time.
The Filabusi-based side prevailed 3-1 in the shootout to claim bragging rights in the district and book their place among the last 16.
Jordan coach Johannes Nhumwa’s decision to introduce goalkeeper Gugulethu Moyo in the 89th minute proved inspired.
Moyo replaced Anxious Mutanda specifically ahead of the shootout and went on to save two penalties, becoming the difference between victory and defeat.
“Football is all about strategy,” Nhumwa said.
Simplicio Chigada, Sandiso Ncube and Simba Chibanguza converted for Jordan, while Mike Chikovore was the only Gwanda Pirates player to find the target from the spot.
Moyo, delighted with his contribution, said his moment had arrived.
Gwanda Pirates coach Johannes Ngodzo was left disappointed by the result and his side’s failure to take their chances during the match.
In Kwekwe, Hardrock FC survived a determined challenge from lower-league neighbours Kwekwe United to claim a 1-0 victory at Chahwanda Stadium.
Neliswa Dlamini needed just 40 seconds to put the Premier Soccer League side in front, giving Hardrock an early advantage they refused to surrender.
The topflight side had an opportunity to make the game more comfortable after the restart when Washington Navaya was awarded a penalty, but he failed to convert.
Kwekwe United never stopped competing and produced a spirited display despite being a division below their opponents.
David Chipo and Partson Jaure were particularly important in keeping Hardrock’s attacking players at bay, while Takudzwa Jabangwe made several impressive saves to keep the scoreline within reach.
Hardrock also threatened through Yeki Khumalo and Gerald Takwara, with Takwara’s flick header striking the crossbar, while Khumalo missed another opportunity after being picked out by Sambulo Simelane.
United’s Ian Nyoni and Takudzwa Chimhowa caused problems on the flanks, while the midfield contest between Munashe Bamara and Trudah Mujawo added intensity to an entertaining derby.
Kwekwe United coach Tendai Chikuni praised his players for sticking to their plan despite the defeat, although he questioned the penalty awarded to Hardrock.
“According to our game plan the team played according to the plan. I need to congratulate my players, they did very well and were disciplined,” he said.
Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu admitted that the derby had been one of his side’s toughest matches but was delighted to advance.
“It’s a derby. I think probably one of our most difficult games that we have played. The most important thing is for us to progress to the second round,” Kaindu said.
He also stressed the bigger prize awaiting the eventual winners, with a place in continental competition and substantial prize money at stake.
“This is the trophy that allows you to play in the Africa Confederation Inter Club competition. And also we are looking at the prize money,” he said.
At Ngoni Stadium, Herentals managed to get a 1-0 victory over MWOS to progress to the next round of the competition.
Across yesterday’s fixtures, the message from the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup was clear: reputations count for little once knockout football begins.
