Chronicle EditorLangton Nyakwenda in Zvishavane
Highlanders . . . . . . . (1) 1
Harare City . . . . .. . . .(2) 2
FOUR Harare City fans were admitted at Zvishavane General Hospital as Highlanders supporters unleashed violence early in the first half to put a damper to an otherwise exciting Chibuku Super Cup first round soccer match at Mandava yesterday.
The violence, which forced referee Jimmy Makwanda to stop the match for 13 minutes in the 23rd minute, overshadowed Harare City’s impressive win.
William Manondo put City ahead four minutes after the match resumed before speed merchant Grey Kufandada doubled the lead in the 40th minute.
Impressive Harare City captain Tendai Samanja spoiled his day with an own goal three minutes later.
It didn’t matter at the end, as Harare City maintained their impressive record in the Chibuku Super Cup.
The Sunshine Boys reached the final when the tournament was reintroduced in 2014 before winning it a year later.
Last season City bowed out in the semi-finals.
It also didn’t matter in the end when City coach Philani Ncube was ejected from the bench for pitch invasion.
Ncube returned for the post-match interview and as usual sounded bullish.
“I told you the last time that I had 69 tricks for Highlanders and today I used only three,” he bragged. “We were playing a good side but we managed to win it.”
Highlanders coach Erol Akbay was disappointed with his players application.
“We made two blunders and we got punished. We were not in it and I am very disappointed,” said Akbay.
Teams
Highlanders: A. Sibanda, B. Ncube, R. Kutsanzira (S. Munawa 54th minute), K. Nadolo, B. Banda, G. Makaruse, P. Mudhuwa, T. Ngulube (R. Matema 79th minute), H. Moyo, G. Nyoni, B. Phiri.
Harare City: T. Munditi, T. Samanja, P. Tshuma, M. Vengesayi, M. Gaki (L. Muyambo 60th min), R. Uchena, E. Madhananga, W. Manondo, T. Chimwemwe, G. Kufandada (J. Tigere 81st minute), P. Kabwe (P. Mpelele 73rd minute).
Online Reporter