‘Another miracle’: 10-man Hardrock stun Hunters in sensational comeback to reach Chibuku final

Hardrock FC produced a comeback for the ages, coming from two goals down for over 80 minutes and playing with 10 men to beat FC Hunters 5-3 on penalties and book their place in the Chibuku Super Cup final at their home, Chahwanda Stadium. The match had ended 2-2 in regulation time.

In what is now becoming a trademark, this is the second successive week that Kelvin Kaindu’s men have come from 2-0 behind to win, having done the same against MWOS FC last week.

For 80 minutes, the story looked written. FC Hunters, coached by Nesbert Saruchera, were in total control of proceedings as Hardrock really struggled to click. They took the lead in the 26th minute when Godfrey Dabgwa finished off a neat interplay initiated by Tadiwa Huni, whose pass found Elder Chirima for the cross.

Hardrock had a chance to respond in the 33rd minute, but Prince Dube’s effort, after a stylish set-up by Washington Navaya, was brilliantly saved by Brandon Munkuli. The Hunters led going into the break.

And just a minute into the second half, Tadiwanashe Huni doubled the lead for FC Hunters from a set-piece to make it 2-0 in the 47th minute. The Hardrock defenders were caught napping.

The situation worsened for the hosts when centre-back Misheck Ngwenya was shown a red card after two yellow cards, leaving Hardrock a man down. Under the circumstances, trailing 2-0 and down to 10 men, Hardrock looked dead and buried.

But after Ngwenya was pulled out in the 70th minute as Kaindu shuffled his pack, it was hard to tell that Hardrock were a man short, as they started dominating possession and pinned Hunters back. Simply put, Kaindu’s charges showed incredible character.

Prince Dube celebrating a goal. Picture by Hardrock FC

PRINCE DUBE’S BRACE INSPIRES HARDROCK FC COMEBACK

With 10 minutes left onthe clock, they were handed a lifeline after a FC Hunters defender was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box, and Prince Dube stepped up to make it 2-1 in the 81st minute.

The Chahwanda Stadium erupted, and the momentum completely shifted. Then, in the 90th minute, the comeback was complete when Dube struck again to make it 2-2 and spark wild celebrations in Chahwinda.

In the end, penalties decided the match. Vusa Ngwenya missed his spot-kick for Hunters, while Elder Chirima, Junior Meya and Ronald Pfumbidzai converted theirs.

For Hardrock FC, Prince Dube, Gerald Takwara, Tubelihle Mavuso, Nigel Matinha and Xolani Ndlovu were all on target from the spot. From 2-0 down for 80 minutes, a man down, to booking a home final. Hardrock FC are writing a Hollywood script in the Chibuku Super Cup.

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