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Harare City 3-0 ZPC Kariba
HARARE City midfielder Raphael Manuvire grabbed a brace against his former paymasters ZPC Kariba to help the Sunshine Boys book their place in the final of the ZNA Charities at Nyamhunga yesterday.
Manuvire scored late in both halves after opening his account in the 44th minute with a set piece and then ensuring that the game was beyond reach with five minutes remaining.
Striker Kuda Kumwala got the other goal for Taurayi Mangwiro’s men on the 67th minute to get a win they needed to boost their confidence ahead of the starting of the new season this week.
Harare City’s confidence had been dealt a huge blow following the back to back defeats by Zambian giants Zanaco in the first round of the CAF Confederation Cup recently.
Their assistant coach Mike Madzivanyika said the win over Sunday Chidzambwa’s men in Kariba was a massive redemption.
“It was a tough game. I think the teams were 50-50 but the difference was that we managed to score goals. We needed that win at all costs especially after those back to back defeats at the hands of Zanaco in the Confederation Cup tournament.
“This victory will surely help boost our confidence ahead of the new season which is set to start next week,” said Madzivanyika.
City who also eliminated Caps United in the quarter-finals will play Highlanders in the final. The Sunshine Boys yesterday survived some early scares but Manuvire put them into the lead just before the half time whistle when he brilliantly curled the ball home from a freekick.
Kumwala then doubled the lead midway through the second half before Manuvire came back again to haunt his former paymasters in the 85th minute.
Madzivanyika was happy with his team’s display yesterday and was also full of praises for Manuvire.
“The whole team played well but I’m happy for Raphael scoring two goals. He must have been very excited with that but it’s only him who knows exactly how it felt,” said Madzivanyika.
derick.khumalo