Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Hardrock………………………………..………..(1) 1
Herentals…………………………………..…….(1) 1
(Herentals won 6-5 on penalties)
HERENTALS are still in the race to crown what has been an excellent season with silverware.
The Students booked a place in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup semi-finals after knocking out hosts Hardrock on penalties at Chahwanda yesterday.
Captain Ralph Kawondera gave the Students an early lead in the 11th minute with a beautiful volley past Tonderai Mateyaunga.
Washington Navaya restored parity for the hosts in the 35th minute, scoring from close range off a rebound after Hardrock had launched an onslaught on the Herentals goal.
From there it was end-to-end action.
Hardrock had a slight edge.
Navaya’s header was cleared off the line for a corner kick and Neliswa Dlamini’s effort missed the goalpost by inches.
With no winner in 90 minutes, the match went straight to penalties.
Tinotenda Muringai, Prince Dube, Gerald Takwara, Wilferd Madzungu and Misheck Ngwenya converted the spot-kicks for Hardrock while Marshall Gavaza had his penalty saved by substitute goalkeeper Jimmy Chimbira.
Elasto Chigora sent Herentals into the Munhumutapa semi-finals with the sixth penalty after Ralph Kawondera, Wimore Chimbetu, Blessing Moyo, Tawanda Chisi and Clemence Zimhondi emphatically converted from the spot.
Herentals coach Celestino Benza said they had planned for a draw.
“We knew that we were coming against a very good side with very good players and a very good coach.
“We knew that we were coming against a very big challenge.
“For us getting a draw in the regulation time was going to be enough and then take the game to penalties because we had lost away against Hardrock.
“So we didn’t want to underrate that team. We knew we were going to come against very good forwards that were going to come at us.
“I’m very happy with the result.”
Benza said the early loss of his defender unsettled them.
“It was difficult for us, especially when we lost our defender Joseph Chitavira in the early minutes.
“I knew the opponent was going to get some advantage because getting a player who was not yet prepared to come in, just warming up in one minute and getting in, I knew it was going to be very difficult.
“That is the time they managed to score.”
Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu said his side have themselves to blame.
“This is a trophy that allows you to play in the Confederation Cup. We could have wrapped up the game in the first half, we had chances where we could have scored and also we gave away an easy goal.
“We lost possession and they capitalised on that.
“In football there are three results, you win, you lose and you draw, the only thing that we need is to respond after losing today.”
