Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira At Bata Stadium
ZPC Hwange 2-1 Triangle
ZPC HWANGE clinched the prestigious Zifa Regions Champion of Champions title by beating Triangle 2-1 in the final at Bata Stadium in Gweru yesterday.
ZPC Hwange capitalised on their quick start in the final, as John Chinyerere broke the silence just two minutes into the game. However, Triangle hit back instantly with a penalty converted by Menford Mudzimu.
Yet, ZPC Hwange didn’t look back and extended their lead with a goal by Dingani Maphosa in the 20th minute. In the second-half, Triangle launched several attacks but ZPC Hwange held on to their lead with confidence.
On their way to the final, ZPC Hwange shocked tournament favourites, Scottland, with a 5-4 penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 draw in the semis.
Triangle advanced to the final after ousting Kwekwe United on penalties too, winning 5-3 after the match ended 1-1. Kwekwe United secured the third place by defeating Scottland 3-1 in a playoff.
ZPC Hwange coach Mabelo Njekwa was delighted with the victory.
“I think we had an edge over other teams in terms of fitness and endurance and we used it to our advantage and we are happy to have won this competition,” said Njekwa.
Triangle coach Luke Masomere said the tournament was a good test for his team ahead of their Premier Soccer League participation next year. “We really wanted to win this competition but we could not convert the chances we created and we paid for it,” said Masomere.
The Champion of Champions, a tournament organised by the four Zifa regions, was hosted by the Zifa Central Region and played in a knock-out format. —@innocentskizoe
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