Bosso knockout FC Platinum

By Ngqwele Dube

Highlanders FC ………………………. (1) 1
FC Platinum …………………………… (1) 1

(Highlanders won 3-1 on penalties)

Highlanders goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda once again turned the hero as he saved two penalties to see his side through to the Independence Cup finals during a semi-final match against FC Platinum played at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.

The match had ended in a 1-1 draw and it had to be decided by the lottery. The win was Highlanders’ second against the Zvishavane side in a cup match. It was the second time that Bosso had to dispatch the Mimosa-bankrolled side on penalties after they did the same in the ZNA Charity Shield semis in similar fashion.

A “second string” FC Platinum might have felt hard done by the sending off of substitute Marshall Mudehwe barely 12 minutes following his introduction for Ishmael Wadi in the 64th minute. The speedy winger had elbowed Honest Moyo in an off the ball incident in the 76th minute that prompted referee Nkosana Nduna to flash a straight red card.

Sibanda saved spot kicks from Simon Shoko and Raphael Muduviwa while Brian Muzondiwa skied his effort with Rodwell Chinyengetere the only player to convert for the visitors. Bosso’s three penalty-takers, Bruce Kangwa, Knox Mutizwa and Simon Munawa all found the target.

Highlanders dominated the exchanges from the opening minute and created several chances with the first coming as early as the 9th minute when Kangwa flighted in a cross that found Mutizwa face to face with FC Platinum’s goalkeeper Francis Tizayi who blocked the striker’s poor shot.

A minute later Kangwa side-netted the ball after being set up by young forward, Prince Dube on the left flank.

However, the visitors were the first to put their name on the score sheet when Chinyengetere, against the run of play beat Tendai Ndlovu, found an unmarked Wadi, who cooly lobbied the ball over Sibanda in the 13th minute.

The goal did not deter Bosso who relentlessly besieged their opponents’ half but several efforts were repelled before defender, Benson Phiri found the equaliser off a header in the 24th minute.

Munawa had disposed an FC Platinum player in the middle of the park and made a shot run before releasing a thunderbolt that was smothered out for a corner by Tizayi. Phiri headed in from the resultant corner kick taken by Mutizwa.

The second half saw action, just like a pendulum, swinging from one end to the other, although Highlanders had a greater say, however, the lottery had to settle the match.

FC Platinum coach, Norman Mapeza bemoaned losing a player at a crucial stage but praised his charges who were composed of reserve-side players of sticking to the game plan.

“I think the red card disadvantaged us but I’m glad we managed to defend well and prevent them from scoring. We managed to show the depth we have as a team because this was a different side from the one that played last Sunday and it is becoming clear we are succeeding on our mission,’’ said Mapeza.

“I have told people before we want to show them how football is played and this is what I meant.”

Highlanders coach, Erol Akbay said he was disappointed they created many chances but only scored one admitting that the game was not an easy one.

“Of course we ended up winning it on penalties but I would have loved to wrap it up in 90 minutes but then a win is a win. I feel Ariel put in a man of the match performance and his penalty saves were great,” said Akbay.

Highlanders will meet Bulawayo arch-rivals Chicken Inn who beat Dynamos 1-0 in the other semi final.

Teams

Highlanders: A Sibanda, B Phiri, F Chindungwe, T Ndlovu, H Moyo (T Ngulube, 89th), S Munawa, K Nadolo, R Kutsanzira (A Silla, 69th), B Kangwa, K Mutizwa, P Dube (D Chakwana, 59th)

FC Platinum: F Tizayi, S Shoko, L Sithole, R Sibanda, R Muduviwa, G Takwara, W Kamudyira, R Chinyengetere, I Wadi (M Mudehwe, 64th), B Muzondiwa, T Rukanda. Sunday News