Chibuku Super Cup: Hunters stun DeMbare, Bosso reach semis after penalty drama

The Chibuku Super Cup defending champions are out, and two more semi-finalists have been decided after a Saturday packed with penalty drama.

Harare giants Dynamos’ bid for a third straight Chibuku Super Cup title came crashing down as FC Hunters produced a giant-killing, edging Dembare 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to book a semi-final place.

Dembare came into the tie as hot favourites and two-time defending champions.

They asserted their dominance from the first whistle and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the opening 45 minutes, pinning FC Hunters deep.

But despite the territorial advantage, the Glamour Boys lacked the final ball as the half ended deadlocked at 0-0.

The resumption saw Dynamos turn the screw further withhe introduction of Perfect Chikwende breathing life into their attack and the pressure finally told in the 72nd minute.

From a corner, Wisdom Mutasa connected with an acrobatic overhead strike goalbound, only for it to be blocked by the outstretched hand of Gareth Madhake.

Referee Tichaona Mbire was perfectly positioned and immediately pointed to the spot despite furious protests from the Hunters players, who had to be calmed by captain Ronald Pfumbidzai.

Dembare’s leading scorer Frank Agyemang stepped up and coolly slotted home to put the defending champions 1-0 up.

FNesbert Saruchera’s men refused to fold as they dug deep and the reward came in the 86th minute when substitute Ordain Sida completed a fine move and fired past Tatenda Makoni to level at 1-1.

Hunters finished the stronger side and came agonizingly close in added time.

Sida forced a fine save from Makoni before his header in the final minute of added time crashed against the upright. With nothing to separate the sides, it went to penalties.

That’s where the drama flipped. Pfumbidzai opened the shootout, Demera hit the upright for Dembare, Chipango made it 2-0, Mutasa skied, Agyemang pulled one back, and Elder Chirima drilled home the fourth to seal a 4-1 shootout win for FC Hunters and knock the two-time defending champions out.

At Barbourfields Stadium, Highlanders also needed penalties to progress. Bosso drew 1-1 with MWOS in regulation time before holding their nerve to win 3-2 on spot kicks and join Hunters in the last four.

The remaining quarter final is set for Rufaro Stadium this Wednesday when Scottland fresh from their CAF Champions League adventure welcome Hardrock for a place in the last four.

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