Highlanders…0 FC Platinum …0 (FC Platinum won 3-1 on penalties) FC Platinum goalkeeper Francis Tizai was the hero of yesterday’s BancABC Sup8r Cup quarter-final match after saving two Highlanders penalties to earn his side a 3-1 penalty shootout win, following a goalless draw in regulation time at Mucheke Stadium.
REPORT BY MICHAEL MADYIRA
But for all his industrious efforts, the man-of-the-match award was somehow handed to his teammate Thabani Kamusoko, after a section of sports journalists tasked to select the outstanding player surprisingly snubbed him.
Returning to his former home ground where he used to guard goal for Masvingo United, Tizai who was clearly excellent in regulation time was almost in tears as he watched in agony as Kamusoko was honoured.
After Milton Ncube converted Highlanders’ first penalty kick, Tizai was on alert to deny Simon Munawa and Bruce Kangwa, while Heritani Masuku struck the upright post as Tizai had dived the correct side.
Charles Sibanda, Daniel Vheremu and Joel Ngodzo got it right for the platinum miners.
Soon after the penalties, Highlanders manager Willard Khumalo almost manhandled referee Nomore Musundure for what he claimed was biased officiating, and the raging duo had to be restrained by people in their vicinity.
The two exchanged harsh words with the defeat-choked Khumalo also claiming Musundire verbally assaulted him with unprintable words.
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FC Platinum’s victory set-up a potentially stormy semi-final clash with town rivals Shabanie Mine and would certainly ignite memories of last year when the platinum miners dumped Chinda out of the Mbada Diamonds Cup at the quarter final stage.
For Highlanders, it was a third straight defeat in all competitions, with their last win being in a 1-0 league match over Hwange at the Colliery on June 2.
Bosso coach Kelvin Kaindu rued missed chances for spoiling his afternoon.
“This was a Cup game in which the team that lost is out of the tournament. If it was a league match we would have gained a point with a draw. We again failed to convert the many chances we created and we are paid for that,” said Kaindu.
Lloyd Mutasa in his first match as FC Platinum coach gave credit to Francis Tizai for largely influencing the result.
“Francis was the main man today. He is a great player and I am happy he stood tall for us today. Now we have to keep on fighting to get to the final of this tournament,” said Mutasa.
Highlanders were on the offensive as early as three minutes into the game when Bevan Chikaka’s goal-bound powerful shot was deflected by his teammate Heritani Masuku for a goal-kick.
The Bulawayo giants relied on long range shots against Tizai in the first 20 minutes.
FC Platinum responded in the 25th minute as Charles Sibanda’s weak header at close range off an Ali Sadiki cross was blocked by Highlanders goalie Munyaradzi Diya.
On the stroke of half-time Tizayi dived full stretch to parry a Masimba Mambare cross as to Chikaka who was lurking to connect. FC Platinum dominated the second half where they could have broken the impasse.
