Chicken Inn squeeze through

Sport
Chicken Inn progressed to the semi-finals of the NetOne EasyCall Cup after they dismissed hosts ZPC Kariba through a penalty shootout.

ZPC Kariba 0 Chicken inn 0

Chicken Inn won 4-3 on penalties

Chicken Inn progressed to the semi-finals of the NetOne EasyCall Cup after they dismissed hosts ZPC Kariba through a penalty shootout.

By Kevin Mapasure in Kariba

The match had ended in a nil-all draw after 90 minutes.

Joey-Antipas

Russel Madamombe and Denis Dauda both missed from the penalty spot, with Raphael Manuvire, Leonard Fiyado and Limited Chikafa converting for the hosts.

Chicken Inn, who fielded a second-string side, converted through second-half substitute Michelle Katsvairo, Brian Juru, Devine Lungu and goalkeeper Pride Zendere, with ZPC Kariba goalkeeper, Tendai Hove saving Thabani Goredema’s effort.

It was a disappointing result for the hosts, especially considering that Chicken Inn rested most of their regulars. ZPC Kariba did not do much to try and win the game, with just a handful of chances fashioned by both teams in the boring match.

Phillip Makanje and Chikafa had chances to win it for the hosts, but they fluffed the opportunities.

Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas said that the plan was to put as many men behind the ball and reserve some energy, considering the taxing programme ahead.

The plan worked out for the title- chasing visitors as they frustrated their hosts.

“The plan was to play a low pressure game and try to be as compact as possible,” said Antipas. “I am chuffed we managed to go through in the end and I am also pleased with the way some of the fringe players performed.”

On the other hand, Chidzambwa conceded that his team had not played well.

“I think we got what we deserved, we did not play well,” said Chidzambwa. “We did not do enough to try and win the match, we were not ambitious enough. We will just try and finish the season well then go back and look for quality players for next season.”