Simba power into Axis Cup final

Herentals U20…………………………..0

Simba Bhora…………………………….0
(Simba Bhora won 4-3 on Penalties)

EVERYTHING was spectacular, save for lack of goals in this absorbing Axis Solutions Super-8 Cup semi-final clash that had to be decided via a penalty lottery at Morris Depot yesterday.
The eagerly-awaited fixture between two of the best teams in the Northern Region Division One Soccer League lived up to its billing.
Fans were on the edge of their seats for the entirety of the thrilling encounter.
Probably a draw in regulation time was fair, leaving the tie to be decided through penalties.
Veteran Rinos Majarira, who also missed his spotkick in Herentals U20 quarter-final penalty shoot-out victory over Black Mambas at the same venue three weeks ago, skied his effort, while Salif Cheya’s weak effort was saved by Simba Bhora’s goalkeeper Lee Madziro.
Having scored their first four penalties through Tinashe Balakasi, Webster Tafa, Honey Chimutimunzeve and Genius Saukila, Simba would temporarily freeze when man-of-the-match Barnabas Mushunje’s effort was saved.
That gave some lifeline to the Students, who had literally surrendered the tie after Majarira missed their fourth kick.
But there was no coming back after Cheya fluffed his lines to ignite wild celebrations from Simba Bhora’s travelling fans.
Besides the dramatic penalties, the game was a cracker, with Herentals bossing the first stanza before retreating into their shell, allowing their opponents to dictate the pace in the second half.
With the jittery Madziro looking vulnerable between the sticks, Herentals could have opened the scoring, but Silas Azeti and Milton Chimedza failed to convert in quick succession from close range.
Although coach Paul Benza’s side continuously pinned their opponents in their own half for most moments in the first half, they failed to fashion clear chances, especially as the stanza progressed.
Simba Bhora had their moments, too, but Russell Chipfura twice directed his efforts wide when clear at goal.
Substitute Simbarashe Maramwidze and Balakasi took turns to miss glaring opportunities in the second half, while Herentals looked content with a draw as they pushed for penalties.
Simba Bhora will now meet winners between Trojan Stars and Golden Eagles, who face off at Ellis Robins this afternoon in the second semi-final of the biggest tournament across the country’s four Division One leagues.
The final is scheduled for November.
Simba Bhora’s coach Arthur Tutani felt his charges played well.
“I am very happy to have won this match. It was difficult and winning it in penalties is testimony that it was indeed a struggle, but obviously I am over the moon,” said Tutani.
Benza refused to blame any of his players, including Majarira.
“Penalties are always tricky. Majarira missed but in all our games, he is our trusted taker.
“I tell you even if we face another penalties or we win a penalty in a match, he is the taker.
“We tried but that’s about it. We will try again next time,” said Benza.
The tournament is contested by the top-eight teams at the half-way stage of the Northern Region Division One Soccer League season.
Source: The Sunday Mail
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