ZIFA Munhumutapa Cup first round: Pacific Storm Eastern Region round-up

The ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup exploded to life over the weekend, with six first-round ties played between Saturday and Sunday across the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League.

Goals, drama, heartbreak and two penalty shootouts — the multi-million dollar cup delivered.

Renco Mine FC and Yadah FC were locked 0-0 at Maramba Stadium before Yadah held their nerve to edge it 5-4 on penalties and book a second-round spot.

Deportivo La Murambinda FC were ruthless at Uhera Stadium, with the Feruka Boys cruising past Manica Diamonds U19 FC 3-0 thanks to Munashe Chale’s 9th-minute opener, captain Byson Khumalo’s strike on the stroke of halftime, and substitute Enock Sackey’s 72nd-minute finish.

Tenax CS FC left it late against Great Zimbabwe University FC, with Tatenda Philip Kureti breaking the deadlock in the 87th minute before Brandon Thulani Muyambo sealed a 2-0 win in the 89th.

At the Mutare Showgrounds, Buffaloes FC completed a painful cup double over Masvingo United FC.

After dumping Una in last year’s ERSL Top Four Cup final at Vengere, Theophilus Musiteyi’s 70th-minute goal was enough to chuck them out of the Munhumutapa Cup with a 1-0 win.

It was fiery in Chivhu as Chivhu FC and Africa Mineral Ventures FC played out a goalless 90 minutes, with Chivhu finishing with 10 men after Shepherd Rhodreck’s second yellow.

AMV kept their cool to win 4-2 on penalties. Bikita Chida Athletic Club turned on the style at Lithium Stadium, running riot in the second half to beat Tongogara United FC 3-0.

Phineas Dhliwayo bagged a brace in the 66th and 72nd minutes, and Darlington Mashamanda added a third in the 87th, with Blessing Wyson running the show.

Six teams are through to round two. Yadah FC now face Tenax CS FC in a clash of spot-kick heroes versus late-goal specialists.

Bikita Chida Athletic Club will square off with Destiny Stars FC after their emphatic win over Tongogara.

Buffaloes FC will host Bikita Minerals FC as they look to extend their Mutare cup run. Africa Mineral Ventures FC welcome Deportivo La Murambinda FC at Vengere, with the Feruka Boys traveling after their demolition of the Gem Boys.

Six games, 12 goals, two shootouts, one red card.

Buffaloes extended their hex over Masvingo, La Murambinda look like contenders, and Bikita Chida’s second-half blitz was the biggest winning margin of the weekend.

The Munhumutapa road is heating up. Round two in the Eastern Region promises more fireworks.