Bosso beat FC Platinum, on penalties

Highlanders 1 - 1 FC Platinum
(Highlanders won 4-3 on penalties)
GOALKEEPER Ariel Sibanda was the hero yet again for Highlanders with two penalty saves to send his side through to the final of the Zimbabwe National Army Commander's Charities Shield with success over FC Platinum in the semi-final played at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.

Brilliant second half strikes from Bruce Kangwa and Walter Musona had seen the match end 1-1 in regulation time meaning the team to progress through to the final would have to be decided on spot kicks.

Sibanda, just like he did against Chicken Inn in the quarter finals, saved two penalties to ensure that Highlanders remain in contention to defend the title they won with a 1-0 conquest over Dynamos in Harare last year. The Highlanders keeper denied the Moyo twins Elvis and Kevin from 11 metres out.

In what was a dull contest for most parts, FC Platinum were impressive in midfield while the Highlanders central defensive pairing of skipper Felix Chindungwe and Tendai Ndlovu were impressive.

FC Platinum were the first to go for goal in the 12th minute, Ariel Sibanda doing well to push out for a corner an attempt from Hillary Bakacheza. Seven minutes after, FC Platinum captain Winston Mhango cleared out a dangerous looking cross from Julius Daudi in the 19th minute when the Highlanders strikers were ready to seize the opportunity.

FC Platinum had the ball in the back of the net after a neat exchange of passes in the 21st minute only for Walter Musona to be adjudged to have been offside. With 25 minutes played, Brian Muzondiwa came face to face with Ariel Sibanda but the keeper came out best with a dazzling save. Sibanda reacted well to a poor back pass by Ndlovu with Muzondiwa ready to pounce.

Highlanders had the lead eight minutes into the second half, Kangwa receiving a long pass from Ndlovu and found himself with acres of space on the left to unleash a powerful grounder which beat Wallace Magalane on the far post.

Kangwa turned provider a minute later, setting up Ralph Matema whose brilliant shot drew out a save from Magalane. Kangwa almost had a second goal, again making his way on the left with his attempt at goal cleared out for a corner.

Sibanda made sure Highlanders kept their lead with a good save to deny Elvis Moyo in the 69th minute.

There was nothing the Highlanders keeper could do to keep out Musona's brilliantly taken free kick in the 72nd minute after a needless set piece given away by Honest Moyo outside the box.

Substitute Prince Dube had the Highlanders fans on their feet in the 90th minute only to lift his effort over the bar. Highlanders piled on the pressure in the referee's optional time but could not find the winner and the match headed for the dreaded penalty shootouts.

Mhango, Musona and Tatenda Dzumbunu were on target for Kugona Kunenge Kudada while for Highlanders Kangwa, Rahman Kutsanzira, Simon Munawa as well as Ralph Matema scored for Bosso from the spot.

Honest Moyo was the only one who missed a penalty.

Highlanders will meet the winner of the other semi-final fixture between ZPC Kariba and Harare City which is yet to be played.

Teams
Highlanders: Ariel Sibanda, Simon Munawa, Julius Daudi(Kutsanzira 54 minutes), Bruce Kangwa, Ralph Matema, Felix Chindungwe, Douglas Sibanda, Tendai Ndlovu, Honest Moyo, Erick Mudzingwa(Phiri 43 minutes), Kasimero Chimbadzwa( Dube 78 minutes)

FC Platinum: Wallace Magalane, Ian Nekati, Gift Bello, Kevin Moyo, Elvis Moyo, Winston Mhango, Nqobizitha Masuku(Chinyengetere 90+4 minutes), Tatenda Dzumbunu, Walter Musona, Hillary Bakacheza(Chirwa 78 minutes), Brian Muzondiwa( Wadi 89 minutes)