CAPS edge ZPC on penalties to book Chibuku Super Cup semi-final spot

Harare giants CAPS United survived a nervy afternoon and a penalty shootout to prevail 4-2 over ZPC Kariba in a Chibuku Super Cup quarter final at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday, advancing to the semi-finals of the competition.

The match finished 1-1 after regulation time, with goals arriving late to cancel each other out and send the tie straight to lottery.

It was an action-packed first half that yielded no goals despite CAPS United creating a host of openings. Makepekepe pressed, probed and carved out chances, but lacked the final touch and the teams went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.

The game finally came alive in the second half. In typical payback fashion, ZPC Kariba surged ahead in the 74th minute through Malvin Hwata, who punished CAPS for their earlier profligacy to put the visitors in front.

The lead lasted five minutes as CAPS United restored parity in the 79th minute when Malawian import Lloyd Njaliwa found the net, sparking wild celebrations in the home stands and forcing the contest into the dreaded lottery of penalties.

From 12 yards, it was drama all the way.
CAPS United’s Kudzai Chigwida took the first kick but missed, going for power only for his effort to clip the crossbar on its way over.

Caps United goalkeeper Victor James then came up big for Makepekepe, saving Philton Mudzingwa’s attempt to keep things level.

Nyasha Gurende stepped up next and made no mistake, sending Future Sibanda the wrong way to put CAPS 1-0 up.

Wayne Kamurai responded for Kariba to make it 1-1.

Takunda Benhura then converted CAPS’ third, again sending Sibanda the wrong way to make it 2-1.

ZPC Kariba captain Collin Muleya kept his side in it with a hard, low shot that beat James for 2-2.

Lloyd Njaliwa, scorer in normal time, returned to the spot and delivered, rolling his penalty past Sibanda to make it 3-2.

The turning point came when ZPC’s Future Sibanda saw his own spot kick strike the upright and bounce out, leaving CAPS with the advantage at 3-2.

Ishmael Wadi made no mistake with the decisive kick, drilling his shot home to win the shootout 4-2 and send CAPS United into the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals, while ending ZPC Kariba’s cup run.

For Makepekepe, it was a case of surviving where they had earlier dominated.

They created enough in open play to win it in 90 minutes but will take the result and the momentum into the next round.

Action in the Chibuku Super Cup quarter finals continues tomorrow.

Dynamos host FC Hunters at Rufaro Stadium, while Bulawayo giants Highlanders entertain MWOS FC at Barbourfields Stadium.

The final quarter final will see Scottland FC host Hardrock FC at Rufaro Stadium next Wednesday.