Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup Round of 32 exploded into life yesterday, with US$200 000 up for grabs in the women’s competition and football taken to some far-flung areas across the country.
Seven fixtures were played, and the goals, drama and penalties did not disappoint.
Domestic women’s football powerhouses and four-time Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League (ZWPSL) champions Herentals ran riot at Lithium Stadium in Bikita, thumping Rufaro Starlets 6-0.
Herentals were also using the game as part of their preparations for the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Qualifiers in Gaborone set for August 20-29. Their huge win left coach Simbarashe Dedza purring.
“When we win a cup game with such a massive scoreline, it shows that we have done well in our preparations for the COSAFA Qualifiers because the tournament is more or less a cup tournament of sorts,” said Dedza. It was not an easy game. Rufaro came well-prepared and visibly keen to make it to the next round and we had to dig deep to stand our ground.
“I am impressed with the confidence and mental strength that my team showed today; I am sure that with such an attitude, we can even withstand the pressure at the qualifiers.’’
Herentals are also in the hunt for a fifth ZWPSL title and are eager to become the inaugural winners of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
Ten of the Best for Mpopoma Academy
After a lengthy closure, Baghdad Stadium in Kwekwe was host to the clash between Midlands Terrain and Mpopoma Sports Academy.
The visitors were too strong for Midlands, emerging 10-0 winners in a one-sided affair.
Mutare showground was also full of life where Getty Queens tumbled out via a 2-1 defeat by Las Palmas, before Red Buffaloes bowed out with a 4-0 slump to giants Correctional Queens at the same venue.
In Harare, the games had to be decided through penalties.
Northern Region Women’s Soccer League side Scottland bulldozed their way into the next round of the competition when beating top-flight debutants CAPS United Royals 4-3 on penalties at Gwanzura.
The match had ended goalless in regulation time.
It was a balanced affair between the two sides, who perhaps for the first time enjoyed playing in front of spectators, with some entertaining songs and dance coming from the stands.
Airforce side Chapungu Queens could not see off minnows Cranborne Royals in open play at Callies Sports Club, with the game ending 1-1 in regulation time.
Chapungu then held their nerves to win 4-3 on penalties.
The Round of 32 matches continue today with five fixtures lined up across the country.
Former league champions Black Rhinos Queens face Waverly Queens at Gwanzura, MPOSA meet Faithdrive at White City in Bulawayo, while Mutare Showgrounds are the venue of what promises to be an explosive encounter pitting Mutare City against Harare City.
A Battle Royale is on between Queen Lozikeyi and FC Platinum Royals at Bulawayo Chiefs Village tomorrow.
Results
Scottland Queens 0-0 CAPS United Royals (4-3 on penalties); Kwekwe Queens 3-0 Shedza Queens; Getty Queens 1-2 Las Palmas; Midlands Terrain 0-10 Mpopoma SA; Cranborne Royals 1-1 Chapungu Queens (3-4 on penalties; Rufaro Starlets 0-6 Herentals Queens; Red Buffaloes 0-4 Correctional Queens; Herentals U-19 2-2 Conduit (8-7 on penalties)
