Sports / Local
Bosso reach Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals
8 hrs ago | 149 Views
Highlanders 2 - 2 Scottland FC
Highlanders won 2-1 on penalties
Veteran goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda was the hero as Highlanders advanced to the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals following a dramatic penalty shootout at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
The match ended 3-3 after a four-goal thriller in regulation time, forcing the outcome to be decided from the spot. Sibanda's heroics, including three crucial penalty saves, swung the tie in Bosso's favour, while Scottland's Talbert Shumba had earlier saved Highlanders' first two penalties.
Scottland had a commanding start, taking a two-goal lead inside the first 33 minutes. Kingsley Mureremba opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a precise strike that beat Sibanda at his near post. Mthokozisi Msebe then set up Khama Billiart for Scottland's second goal in the 33rd minute, putting the visitors firmly in control.
Highlanders responded late in the first half when debutant Learnmore Muyambo headed home Martin Nhubu's flighted corner in the 37th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Bosso pressed for an equaliser in the second half, and Andrew Mbeba's composed finish in the 90th minute, following a move involving Mason Mushore and Prince Ndlovu, sent the match into penalties.
The penalty shootout was a tense affair. Highlanders converted two of their four initial spot-kicks, while Scottland struggled, with several misses and Sibanda's heroics ultimately sealing Bosso's victory.
Highlanders coach Peter De Jongh reflected on the turnaround:
"The game was in two phases. Scottland dominated the first half, controlling the midfield and taking a 2-0 lead. We responded with a corner goal, and then changed formation to 1-4-3-3, which allowed us to control the game in the second half."
Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya admitted the defeat was painful:
"It was a very interesting match, but technically it was painful for us. We lost concentration in key moments and gave away a free header that cost us dearly."
In other Chibuku Super Cup action yesterday, MWOS FC defeated Bikita Minerals 3-1.
Highlanders now await their semi-final opponents, buoyed by a comeback that showcased resilience, tactical adjustments, and Sibanda's match-winning heroics.
Teams
Highlanders: A Sibanda, A Ndlovu, M Ncube, M Hativagoni, A Mbeba, M Mushore (B Mlotshwa, 83'), N Rauzhi (T Muvuti, 83'), L Mutumbi (A Nyondo, 70'), M Nhubu (P Ndlovu, 46'), L Muyambo (D Mukuli, 46'), B Adeogun
Scottland: T Shumba, P Muduhwa, G Murwira, M Chigumira, R Pfumidzai, M Shidolo, K Mureremba, V Kawe (A Manenji, 79'), K Billiart (T Machope, 68'), M Msebe (M Tapera, 59'), M Chihweta (T Dzukamanja, 59')
Highlanders won 2-1 on penalties
Veteran goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda was the hero as Highlanders advanced to the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals following a dramatic penalty shootout at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
The match ended 3-3 after a four-goal thriller in regulation time, forcing the outcome to be decided from the spot. Sibanda's heroics, including three crucial penalty saves, swung the tie in Bosso's favour, while Scottland's Talbert Shumba had earlier saved Highlanders' first two penalties.
Scottland had a commanding start, taking a two-goal lead inside the first 33 minutes. Kingsley Mureremba opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a precise strike that beat Sibanda at his near post. Mthokozisi Msebe then set up Khama Billiart for Scottland's second goal in the 33rd minute, putting the visitors firmly in control.
Highlanders responded late in the first half when debutant Learnmore Muyambo headed home Martin Nhubu's flighted corner in the 37th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Bosso pressed for an equaliser in the second half, and Andrew Mbeba's composed finish in the 90th minute, following a move involving Mason Mushore and Prince Ndlovu, sent the match into penalties.
The penalty shootout was a tense affair. Highlanders converted two of their four initial spot-kicks, while Scottland struggled, with several misses and Sibanda's heroics ultimately sealing Bosso's victory.
Highlanders coach Peter De Jongh reflected on the turnaround:
"The game was in two phases. Scottland dominated the first half, controlling the midfield and taking a 2-0 lead. We responded with a corner goal, and then changed formation to 1-4-3-3, which allowed us to control the game in the second half."
Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya admitted the defeat was painful:
"It was a very interesting match, but technically it was painful for us. We lost concentration in key moments and gave away a free header that cost us dearly."
In other Chibuku Super Cup action yesterday, MWOS FC defeated Bikita Minerals 3-1.
Highlanders now await their semi-final opponents, buoyed by a comeback that showcased resilience, tactical adjustments, and Sibanda's match-winning heroics.
Teams
Highlanders: A Sibanda, A Ndlovu, M Ncube, M Hativagoni, A Mbeba, M Mushore (B Mlotshwa, 83'), N Rauzhi (T Muvuti, 83'), L Mutumbi (A Nyondo, 70'), M Nhubu (P Ndlovu, 46'), L Muyambo (D Mukuli, 46'), B Adeogun
Scottland: T Shumba, P Muduhwa, G Murwira, M Chigumira, R Pfumidzai, M Shidolo, K Mureremba, V Kawe (A Manenji, 79'), K Billiart (T Machope, 68'), M Msebe (M Tapera, 59'), M Chihweta (T Dzukamanja, 59')
Source - Newsday
