Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira in BULAWAYO
Highlanders…………………………………….(0) 1
MWOS……………………………………..……(1) 1
(Highlanders win 3-2 on penalties)
ARON Ngwenya once again turned hero as Highlanders edged MWOS on penalties to book their place in the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals at Barbourfields yesterday.
The Highlanders goalkeeper produced another outstanding shootout display, saving crucial penalties as Bosso kept their hopes of ending the season with silverware alive.
It was an entertaining contest from the opening whistle, with both teams showing attacking intent and neither appearing prepared to sit back.
That approach was hardly surprising given the stakes of a knockout competition, where one mistake could bring a team’s campaign to an end.
Highlanders created the better opportunities during the opening stages, although Despite Bosso creating the better chances, it was MWOS who struck first through Arthur Banda.
Bosso immediately searched for a response and Andrew Mbeba delivered a good cross into the box, but Ryon Nyamono could not keep his effort down.
Their pressure finally paid off in the 61st minute when Nyamono rose to head home the equaliser and restore parity.
With the scores level, Benjani Mwaruwari looked to his bench for the spark that could produce a winner, introducing Kudakwashe Mahachi.
Mahachi almost made an immediate impact in the 70th minute when his volley sent the Barbourfields crowd onto their feet, with many thinking the ball had found the net.
It only found the side netting.
Highlanders were then forced into another change when Mbeba, who had shown signs of a possible injury, was substituted for veteran defender Lawrence Mhlanga.
With neither side able to find a second goal, the quarter-final went to penalties.
That was where Ngwenya once again proved decisive.
MWOS had attempts saved by the Highlanders goalkeeper, while another effort struck the upright, as Bosso held their nerve to win the shootout 3-2.
“It was a difficult game. We had much control of the game and they were catching us on break and they did everything well,” said Benjani.
“They were overpowering us in midfield. You know penalties, it’s a matter of luck on any given day.
“In Hwange we lost on penalties but today luck was on our side.”
MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa acknowledged the difficulty of facing Highlanders at Barbourfields.
