Highlanders Media
Highlanders FC booked their place in the next round of the Chibuku Super Cup after overcoming city rivals Chicken Inn in a penalty shootout at Barbourfields Stadium following a goalless 90 minutes.
Bosso made a bright start to the First Round encounter and began asking questions of the Chicken Inn defence from the opening stages.
Benjamin Adeogun was lively in attack and won a free kick just outside the penalty area in the third minute. Andrew Mbeba delivered a dangerous ball into the box, which the Chicken Inn defence headed behind for a corner.
Highlanders continued to enjoy promising moments going forward, with Adeogun creating space near the corner flag before sending another dangerous cross into the area. Mongameli Tshuma and Mbeba also combined well as Bosso looked for a breakthrough.
Tshuma provided one of the highlights of the opening half when he produced a brilliant piece of skill to leave two Chicken Inn players grounded.
The best opportunity of the first half fell to Adeogun in the 43rd minute. The forward unleashed a powerful strike from distance, but his effort flew narrowly over the crossbar as the sides went into the break level at 0-0.
Highlanders made a change at the start of the second half, introducing Benjani Junior for Royn Nyamono.
Bosso continued pushing for the opener and thought they had finally found it in the 75th minute. Tshuma delivered an excellent ball into the area and Adeogun finished beyond the goalkeeper, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
Two minutes later, Chicken Inn were reduced to 10 men after Tyrese received a second yellow card.
Highlanders looked to make their numerical advantage count, with Prince Ndlovu replacing Darlington Mukuli before Marvin Sibanda came on for Adeogun late in the contest.
Despite Bosso’s pressure, neither side could find the decisive goal and the match finished 0-0 after regulation time, sending the Bulawayo derby to a penalty shootout.
Highlanders held their nerve from the spot, while the Bosso goalkeeper produced a heroic performance, saving two penalties as Highlanders prevailed 3-1 in the shootout to secure their place in the next round of the Chibuku Super Cup.
It was a performance built on determination, discipline and composure, with the boys getting the job done when it mattered most.