Chicken Inn ........................ (1)1
Black Rhinos...................... (0)2
Valentine Katsande scored a second half brace to propel Black Rhinos into their second consecutive Chibuku Super Cup semi final after recording a come- from-behind victory over hosts Chicken Inn at Luveve Stadium yesterday.
Rhinos, who are struggling in the league where they are second from bottom of the log standings, were a goal down at the break before Katsande equalised in the 66th minute and completed the turnaround with a stoppage time winner.
Coach Saul Chaminuka and his charges have firmly set their eyes on the coveted trophy and he said his boys want to play in the CAF Confederations Cup.
"Our God being with us, we can go all the way and play in Africa. That's the dream that these boys have. At training they are showing that they really want to go (and play in Africa) and I hope this carries on in the league,” Chaminuka said.
“It was good team spirit. After Chicken Inn led everyone would have concluded that the goal we gave them was going to take away the game from us. “But we spoke about the importance of team spirit. Winning the game in regulation time is an icing on the cake."
Chicken Inn continues to blow hot and cold under Prince Matore having failed to win in their last four matches.
Matore was pained by the defeat.
“It’s a painful defeat. We were expecting a win and we fought for it. Our game plan was to add another goal in the second half so that we cushion the 1-0 and we created those chances. Genius could have scored two goals or so, but that's football," he said.
Black Rhinos failed to turn their dominance into goals in the first half with veteran midfielder Allan Gahadzikwa dictating the pace of the game.
Genius Mutungamiri's powerful strike hit the underside of the crossbar before bouncing back into play with goalkeeper Lenon Chisunga standing akimbo in the seventh minute.
It was the Gamecocks who took the lead in the 37th minute albeit under fortuitous circumstances after goalkeeper Lennon Gonese blasted the ball against his own defender and it fell kindly for Malvern Hwata who opened the scoring.
Katsande restored parity slotting home a rebound after Pride Zendera spilled a Kuda Nyakudanga shot.
Shepard Mhlanga also struck the upright in the 78th minute with a volley inside the box. Lo Chiwunga set up Katsande’s winner.
Today’s Fixture
Herentals v Ngezi Platinum Stars (National Sports Stadium)