Online Reporter
Tawanda Munthali
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZPC Kariba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 0
Chicken Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
(ZPC Kariba won 6-5 on penalties)
FUTURE SIBANDA was the hero as ZPC Kariba booked their place in the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Chicken Inn at Nyamhunga Stadium yesterday.
The tie ended goalless after 90 minutes, forcing the dreaded shootout where the ZPC goalkeeper pulled off two crucial saves to end Chicken Inn’s campaign at the first hurdle for the second year running.
Chicken Inn had enjoyed a brighter first half, creating clear chances but failing to apply the final touch. Their best opening came in the 27th minute when Sibanda parried a shot into the path of Leeroy Saungweme, only for Collin Muleya to clear the danger. ZPC, backed by their vociferous home fans, grew stronger after the break. Fanuel Shoko and Genius Hute both threatened, but neither side could find a breakthrough. The game then turned into a battle of nerves from 12 yards.
Marshal Gavaza, Wayne Kamurai, Samuel Makawa, Cephas Musikavanhu, Nigel Kupara and Muleya all converted for the “power generators”.
Only Charles Munyanyi fluffed his chance, sending his effort over the bar.
For Chicken Inn, Michael Charamba, George Majika, Donovan Bernard, Mpumelelo Bhebhe and Xolani Ndlovu scored.
But Sibanda denied Brighton Makopa and Marlon Mushonga, sealing a famous afternoon for ZPC.
“This is my second as a coach here, and I am very excited to reach the quarter-finals for the first time,” said a relieved ZPC coach Newton Chitewe. “We had struggled to go past the first round, so this is something worth enjoying even though it came via the lottery. Credit to Chicken Inn; they defended very well and made it hard for us.”
For the Gamecocks, the result added to a grim run that has left them battling for survival in the league. Coach Joey Antipas could not hide his frustration.
“I think we were the better side and could have done the job in regulation time, but we didn’t take our chances,” he said.
“It’s unfortunate we lost in the shootout. Makopa was too casual with his effort, and that killed us. But penalties are anyone’s game. We just have to keep our heads up and focus on the relegation fight.”
ZPC Kariba’s triumph saw them become the seventh side to secure a quarterfinal berth, joining Bikita Minerals, Dynamos, Manica Diamonds, MWOS, Scottland and Triangle.
The Chibuku Super Cup continues today with Herentals facing Highlanders in another rescheduled first-round clash at Nyamhunga.
Tinaye Agere