malvernmugadzikwa
Don Makanyanga in Mhondoro-Ngezi
Ngezi Platinum Stars (1) 2
Simba Bhora (0) 2
(Ngezi won 5-4 on penalties)
Marion Chang was the hero in the Chibuku Super Cup as he helped Ngezi Platinum Stars secure a place in the final for this year’s edition of the knock-out tournament yesterday.
Ngezi Platinum Stars prevailed 5-4 on penalties, with Chang making the decisive save in the penalty shoot-out.
The win ensured Ngezi Platinum Stars booked a place in the finals for the second consecutive year.
It was a game of two halves as Ngezi Platinum Stars dominated proceedings during the first half before Simba Bhora turned the tables in the second.
Neither side could create any meaningful goal-scoring opportunity during the opening 30 minutes of the encounter, as no shot on target was recorded.
Ngezi Platinum Stars finally broke the deadlock in the 37th minute with their first attempt at goal through Talent Chamboko, who headed in Malvern Hativagone’s corner-kick.
Simba Bhora coach Tonderai Ndiraya then made a few tactical substitutions after the breather, resulting in a more offensive and cohesive side in the second half.
He made a triple substitution bringing in Vasily Kawe, Perfect Chikwende and Gift Saunyama for Tinashe Chipunza, Junior Makunike and Albert Manenji.
The substitutions completely changed the complexion of the game.
Simba Bhora managed to restore parity in the 75th minute when Tymon Machope tapped in a Wilson Mensah cross.
Machope then grabbed his second goal of the afternoon in style, scoring an acrobatic goal off Kawe’s cross in the 83rd minute.
Ngezi Platinum Stars ensured the match went to the penalty shoot-out after capitalising on a lapse of concentration from Simba Bhora players. Farai Madhanaga levelled the matters in the 85th minute.
Ngezi Platinum Stars converted all of their five penalties through Kudzai Chigwida, Nigel Makumbe, Takunda Benhura, Never Tigere and Madhanaga.
Simba Bhora had Walter Musona, Blessing Moyo, Saunyama and Abubakar Onifade converting their penalties, before Isheanesu Mauchi had his saved by Chang.
After being booted out of the title race, the Chibuku Super Cup has since become the only option to a return to the African Safari for Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Their assistant coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva, who stood in for Takesure Chiragwi, was all smiles after the match and applauded his charges for their fighting spirit.
“It is very exciting to book a place in the finals,” he said.
“The players showed some great fighting spirit after we went down and the composure they displayed in the shoot-outs was good to see. We are now looking forward to the final, which is our way of going back to the African Safari.”
Ndiraya described the exit as painful.
“It was an interesting match,” he said.
“Ngezi Platinum Stars had an upper hand in the first half before we turned the tables in the second. We were then punished for a lapse of concentration and getting out through penalties is painful.”
Online Reporter