Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga in Mhondoro-Ngezi
Ngezi Platinum 0-1 ZPC Kariba
ZPC Kariba coach Expense Chitukutuku dedicated his side’s Chibuku Super Cup victory over Ngezi Platinum Stars to the victims of last week’s Lake Kariba ferry disaster after Munashe Kamwendoscored the only goal at Baobab yesterday.
Kamwendo struck five minutes before half-time as the visitors held off a late Ngezi charge to win 1-0 and advance to the next round.
Ngezi started brightly but failed to turn their early pressure into a goal.
Kamwendo nearly punished them when he found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Tatenda Chikowero, who produced a fine save to keep the scores level.
The ZPC Kariba forward made amends five minutes before the break. His shot from inside the box took a slight deflection before finding the far corner.
Ngezi raised the tempo after the restart, but the visitors held their shape and protected their lead.
Substitute Orlando Zvavarevi almost brought the hosts level late on when his effort from an acute angle struck the outside of the post.
Marvelous Mukumba had Ngezi’s final opportunity in the last minute, but his low effort lacked power and was comfortably gathered by ZPC Kariba goalkeeper Tatenda Munditi.
Ngezi coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva admitted his side had paid for failing to convert their opportunities.
“It’s not good for us as a team. We couldn’t use the chances that came our way,” said Mutiwekuziva.
Chitukutuku said the victory had restored confidence after last weekend’s home defeat.
“It’s a good result. We needed to regain the confidence the guys lost last weekend.
“We did this job out of respect for the lives lost, and we dedicate the win to all the people who perished in the national disaster,” he said.
