THERE were no major upsets recorded in the first round of the Chibuku Super Cup at the weekend as big guns flexed their might to progress through to the quarterfinals of the competition.
Traditional giants Caps United and Highlanders both came out unscathed from the weekend battles and would be joined in the next stage by FC Platinum, Simba Bhora and Manica Diamonds who predictably prevailed over their opponents.
There was only one giant killing act when Chicken Inn fell by the wayside at the hands of Khama Billiat’s Yadah.
Games involving defending champions Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum Stars, who will play ZPC Kariba and Hwange, respectively, were postponed due to the former’s involvement in the CAF inter-club competition at the weekend.
A quarter-final draw will be conducted anytime soon for the competition, whose winner will represent the country in the Caf Confederation Cup next year.
William Manondo’s first-half goal against Bikita Minerals at Sakubva Stadium on Saturday ensured a safe passage for Caps United into the last eight.
The victory was a sweet revenge for the rejuvenated Green Machine side, who could only pick a single point against Bikita Minerals in the two teams’ two league encounters this term.
FC Platinum also avoided a potential banana skin when they edged past TelOne in the Midlands derby on Saturday.
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Oscar Bhebhe’s solitary goal late in the second half at Mandava Stadium was enough to secure the quarter-final ticket for the Norman Mapeza-coached side, who are also gunning for the league title.
Billiat successfully converted his penalty as Yadah upset Chicken Inn at Luveve Stadium on Saturday to win 5-4 on penalties.
The match had ended 1-1 in regulation time, with Blessed Ndereki scoring the opener for the Miracles Boys, while Brighton Makopa netted a late equaliser for the GameCocks.
Highlanders, who play Chicken Inn in a Bulawayo derby in a league clash on Sunday, warmed up with a convincing display as they despatched GreenFuel 3-0.
Melikhaya Ncube’s hotly contested goal in first half optional time put Bosso on their way, before further goals from Nqobile Ndlovu and Marvelous Chigumira ensured a comfortable victory for the home side.
Under-fire Manica Diamonds coach Jairosi Tapera was a relieved man after his side finally remembered how to score a goal, let alone win a match when they despatched Chegutu Pirates 3-0 at Sakubva Stadium.
Charles Teguru scored a brace before Evans Katema wrapped up an easy win with his first goal for the diamond miners, who ended an eight-match barren spell.
The clash between Simba Bhora and Herentals on Sunday went all the way to extra time before the former won 4-3 in a penalty shootout.
The match, which was initially scheduled for Saturday before a bizarre last-minute postponement to the following day, had ended goalless in regulation time.
Veteran goalkeeper Talbert Shumba emerged the hero for the Shamva-based side after saving two kicks during the penalty shootout.
Victory ensured that the Tonderai Ndiraya-coached side, who are second on the log standings in the league title race, keep their league and Cup double dream alive.
Shumba’s exploits also meant that Simba Bhora preserved their unbeaten run at their Wadzanai Stadium, which is slowly turning into a fortress.
