adminMOTOR Action finally remembered how to win yesterday when they burst into the BancABC Sup8r semi-finals yesterday with a victory over Monomotapa at Sakubva yesterday.
The Mighty Bulls had not won on their last four assignments, which had all fizzled into draws including a 0-0 deadlock against Monoz in a league tie at Gwanzura last weekend.
Two second half goals by Masimba Mambare and Themba Ndlovu powered the Mighty Bulls into the last four where they joined Highlanders, Shabanie Mine and Dynamos.
Monoz had pulled one back via a Makai “Jecha” Kawashu penalty late on.
But fans who missed this quarter-final tie did not lose much and could have probably done themselves a favour by staying away from the chilly weather at Sakubva as the game offered very little in entertainment value.
In a drab first half both teams failed to justify why they are playing in the Premiership and why they finished in the top eight on the log standings.
Motor Action, however, took control of the game in the second half probably after coach Joey Antipas’ pep talk at the break.
Twelve minutes after resumption the Mighty Bulls found the breakthrough.
A scramble in the Monomotapa goal area saw Mutambiranwa slotting the ball past goalkeeper Tapiwa Mafunga.
It was after that goal that action started to swing from one end to the other giving fans at least something to cheer about.
In the end it was however Robert Mugorosa the Rusape based referee who stole the show by awarding two penalties with the one he awarded to Motor Action in the 85th minute, a bit harsh as the challenge by goalkeeper Mafunga on Agrippa Murimba looked to have been a fair one.
Centre back Ndlovu took the responsibility and converted the penalty, sending Mafunga the wrong way.
Apart from the goals, it was the Motor Action brass band, which dished interesting tunes who really gave the fans real value for their money.
But an ecstatic Motor Action director Eric Rosen and his wife Liz would be more satisfied by securing a place in the tournament’s last four, no matter how difficult the victory may have been.
The Mighty Bulls could have scored two goals in the opening half had they utilised the chances that came their way.
In the 35th minute Kudakwashe Musharu won possession and dribbled past two defenders but, with only goalkeeper Tapiwa Mafunga to beat, he shot wide.
Ronald Chitiyo was then hacked down in the box by Motor Action defender Isaac Masame when he was going for the kill.
Mugorosa pointed to the spot and substitute Kawashu sent veteran Mighty Bulls goalkeeper Marlon Jani the wrong way and the goal gave some ray of hope to Monoz whose technical team felt the referee had treated them unfairly.
Chitiyo was later voted Man of the Match and walked away US$200 richer.
Monoz coach Taurai Mangwiro claimed his side would have won the game were it not for some questionable officiating.
“My young boys threw everything into the game and we could have won the match. We were just unfortunate that the youngsters failed to qualify as they fought very hard.
“There are some things you cannot control in football but it kills the spirit of football.
“Those in control need to be fair at times “said Mangwiro.
Antipas was happy with the victory.
“It was a good game as cup games are very unpredictable. I am happy that my team managed to qualify for the next round,” Antipas said.
Teams:
Motor Action: Marlon Jani, Reuben Machaya, Passmore Benard, Isaac Masamise, Kudakwashe Musharu, Masimba Mambare, Ocean Mushure, Themba Ndlovu, Tawanda Nyamandwe, Allan Gahadzikwa, Thembani Masuku.
Monomotapa: Tapiwa Mafunga, Brian Mapfumo, Blessing Chimwamuchere, Ronald Chitiyo, Tendai Ngulube, Brian Katsaruware (Domnic Mukandi 68th minute ), Stewart Kativhu, Joseph Mutambiranwa, Tawanda Munyanduri, Malvern Dumbura,Morgan Mungombe (Mkululi Moyo 85th minute).
Online Reporter