20-second Dlamini goal enough as Hardrock FC knock out Kwekwe United

Neliswa Dlamini’s 20th-second goal was all Hardrock FC needed to reach the maiden Munhumutapa Cup Round of 16, as they edged Kwekwe United FC in the Kwekwe derby at Chahwanda Stadium.

While there was massive buzz on social media about this derby, the match never lived up to its billing. Even the attendance was poor.

Hardrock FC quickly asserted their intention to win this Kwekwe derby, their first meeting in a competitive space.

And it took them just 20 seconds to hit the target through Eswatini international Neliswa Dlamini with a tap-in, after goalkeeper Tafadzwa Jabangwe made a schoolboy blunder from a cross whipped in by Tinotenda Muringai.

Washington Navaya almost made it two in the second minute when he broke loose from Dlamini’s pass, but he was ruled offside.

From then on, it was a rather drab affair as the two teams failed to break each other’s rearguards. Kwekwe United hardly threatened Hardrock FC goalkeeper Martin Mapisa.

As such, Hardrock led at half-time. They could have doubled their score in the 48th minute when Thubelihle Mavuso won them a penalty after he was hacked down in the box.

Striker Washington Navaya during national anthem at Chahwanda Stadium. Picture by Hardrock FC/Facebook

WASHINGTON NAVAYA MISSES PENALTY IN HARDROCK NARROW WIN

However, PSL joint top scorer Washington Navaya missed, hitting the upright though goalie Jabangwe was beaten. Wilfred Madzungu also missed the target on the rebound.

Kwekwe United got their best chance after the hour mark, with Messi Gushero’s shot from range narrowly missing the target, with Martin Mapisa diving.

Hardrock created chance after chance, but they could not hit the target. At one point, Tino Muringai whipped in a low cross that eluded the diving Jabangwe, but both Madzungu and Mavuso missed the ball as they slid in.

Tinashe Mashaireni also missed a sitter when picked unmarked by Mavuso at the edge of the box in the 82nd minute. In the end, Hardrock walked away with the win and progressed to the next round of the maiden tournament.

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