BY TERRY MADYAUTA
Mushowani………… (2) 3
Bulawayo Chiefs….(1) 2
TelOne………………… (1) 1
Yadah……………………(1)1
TelOne won 8-7 after penalty shoot-out
TELONE sneaked through the first round of the Chibuku Super Cup following a nervy 8-7 win after penalties to join Mushowani Stars, who also progressed after edging Bulawayo Chiefs 3-2 in the opening match of a thrilling double header at Mandava Stadium yesterday.
The WiFi Boys needed the penalty lottery to progress to the next stage of the competition after their match against Yadah ended one-all in regulation time.
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Jacob Muzokomba, Emmanuel Zinyama, James Jam, Raphael Pitisi, Marvelous Chigumira, King Nadolo, Fredrick Muza and Blessing Sibanda converted for TelOne, while Charles Mutero missed.
The duo of Munyaradzi Chiwara and Zvikomborero Bizeki were the villains for Yadah, while Enock Karembo, Wellington Kamudyariwa, Nkosilathi Mhlanga, Ralph Matema, Jonathan Chitereki, Paddington Nyamakawo and Willard Kalongonda all converted their spotkicks.
TelOne, though, came into the encounter buoyed by the fact that they beat Yadah 4-1 in a league match played a fortnight ago though it was Yadah who had more initiative at the start of the game.
But they had to finish the game with 10 men after Byron Madzokere was red-carded for pushing referee Happy Mabhena after the official had waved away a genuine penalty call.
However, after consulting with his assistant referee, Mabhena awarded the penalty, which Kamudyariwa converted with ease in the 29th minute, sending Rapheal Pitisi in goal for TelOne the wrong way.
Tafadzwa Sibanda restored parity for TelOne on the 40-minute mark with a powerful volley from inside the box following a rebounded Muzokomba strike.
Though they won, TelOne coach Rahman Gumbo (pictured) was livid after the match.
“It was not good. Yadah employed dirty tactics, especially their goalkeeper. They were even coming hard on our players,” Gumbo said.
“We are happy to be through to the next stage, but we must also focus on the league.”
In the other match, Mushowani Stars also made it to the first round of the competition after edging Bulawayo Chiefs 3-2.
Chiefs, though, began the match on a high note, with exciting forward Francis Darkapata opening the scoresheet after just two minutes of play.
Webster Tafa provided the equaliser with a powerful header from a Hugh Chikosa delightful cross on the half-hour mark, with Eriya Mafirenyika doubling scoreline at the half-time stroke.
However, the game took a sudden swing after half-time when Shepherd Mhlanga restored parity for Chiefs with a free header in the box, capitalising on some poor communication between Mushowani goalkeeper Admire Masuku and his defenders.
Paul Chirawa scored Mushowani’s winning goal after Chiefs goalkeeper Davida Bizabani made a schoolboy blunder, which allowed Chirawa to simply tap home.
Chiefs tried so hard to come back, but Mushowani remained resolute in defence and they have Chikosa to blame after the former Bulawayo City man failed to convert a penalty.
