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Highlanders storm into Chibuku Super Cup final
18 hrs ago |
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Highlanders FC secured a place in the 2026 Chibuku Super Cup final after defeating CAPS United 3-1 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.
The Bulawayo giants showed resilience to recover from a second-half deficit before holding their nerve in the penalty shootout, keeping alive their hopes of winning the prestigious knockout competition for the second time.
The victory was particularly significant for Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari, whose side had lost both league encounters against CAPS United earlier this season.
Bosso entered the semi-final determined to reverse their fortunes against Makepekepe, who had enjoyed the upper hand in their previous meetings.
The opening half produced few clear-cut opportunities as both teams struggled to break through their opponents' defensive lines, leaving the score goalless at the interval.
CAPS United eventually broke the deadlock in the 67th minute when Davison Marowa found the back of the net to put the Harare side ahead.
With time running out, Highlanders increased the pressure in search of an equaliser.
Their persistence paid off in the 82nd minute when Reason Sibanda struck to restore parity and breathe new life into Bosso's cup ambitions.
Neither side managed to find a winner during the remaining minutes, forcing the contest to be decided by penalties.
Highlanders proved more clinical from the spot, converting all three of their penalties while their goalkeeper produced two crucial saves to frustrate CAPS United.
The 3-1 shootout victory sparked celebrations among the Highlanders players and supporters as the club booked its place in another major cup final.
For Mwaruwari, the result provided a welcome boost following a difficult campaign against CAPS United in the league.
Highlanders last lifted the Chibuku Super Cup in 2019 when they defeated Ngezi Platinum Stars 1-0 at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.
Seven years later, Bosso now have an opportunity to add a second title to their trophy cabinet.
Standing between Highlanders and the trophy will be Hardrock FC, who await them in the final scheduled for November 28 at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe.
The encounter is also expected to mark a milestone in Zimbabwean football, with organisers planning to introduce the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system for the first time in a domestic match.
The technology is designed to assist match officials in reviewing key decisions, including goals, penalties, direct red cards and cases of mistaken identity.
The proposed introduction of VAR adds further significance to a final that already promises an intriguing contest between Highlanders and Hardrock.
For Bosso, however, the immediate focus will be on completing their cup campaign with another trophy after overcoming one of their toughest opponents of the season.
With a place in the final secured, Highlanders will head to Kwekwe hoping to recreate their 2019 triumph and bring the Chibuku Super Cup back to Bulawayo.
The Bulawayo giants showed resilience to recover from a second-half deficit before holding their nerve in the penalty shootout, keeping alive their hopes of winning the prestigious knockout competition for the second time.
The victory was particularly significant for Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari, whose side had lost both league encounters against CAPS United earlier this season.
Bosso entered the semi-final determined to reverse their fortunes against Makepekepe, who had enjoyed the upper hand in their previous meetings.
The opening half produced few clear-cut opportunities as both teams struggled to break through their opponents' defensive lines, leaving the score goalless at the interval.
CAPS United eventually broke the deadlock in the 67th minute when Davison Marowa found the back of the net to put the Harare side ahead.
With time running out, Highlanders increased the pressure in search of an equaliser.
Their persistence paid off in the 82nd minute when Reason Sibanda struck to restore parity and breathe new life into Bosso's cup ambitions.
Neither side managed to find a winner during the remaining minutes, forcing the contest to be decided by penalties.
Highlanders proved more clinical from the spot, converting all three of their penalties while their goalkeeper produced two crucial saves to frustrate CAPS United.
The 3-1 shootout victory sparked celebrations among the Highlanders players and supporters as the club booked its place in another major cup final.
For Mwaruwari, the result provided a welcome boost following a difficult campaign against CAPS United in the league.
Highlanders last lifted the Chibuku Super Cup in 2019 when they defeated Ngezi Platinum Stars 1-0 at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.
Seven years later, Bosso now have an opportunity to add a second title to their trophy cabinet.
Standing between Highlanders and the trophy will be Hardrock FC, who await them in the final scheduled for November 28 at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe.
The encounter is also expected to mark a milestone in Zimbabwean football, with organisers planning to introduce the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system for the first time in a domestic match.
The technology is designed to assist match officials in reviewing key decisions, including goals, penalties, direct red cards and cases of mistaken identity.
The proposed introduction of VAR adds further significance to a final that already promises an intriguing contest between Highlanders and Hardrock.
For Bosso, however, the immediate focus will be on completing their cup campaign with another trophy after overcoming one of their toughest opponents of the season.
With a place in the final secured, Highlanders will head to Kwekwe hoping to recreate their 2019 triumph and bring the Chibuku Super Cup back to Bulawayo.
Source - NewZimbabwe
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