HARARE-CUP Kings CAPS United shocked the Warriors after beating them 5-4 on penalties to lift the Oya Challenge Cup- their second silverware this season in an ill-tempered match at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.The win consolidated their status as Cup Kings. Only two months ago, Makepekepe, who have developed a knack of winning cup matches, beat Dynamos 2-1 to lift the Nestle Charity Shield. And, yesterday they did it again. Rufaro was painted into green and white as the anything green waving fans celebrated yet another triumph this season.
The match was handled by South African referee Daniel Bennett who officiated well as he stamped his authority on the match.
CAPS United were supposed to play against arch rivals Dynamos but their opponents withdrew from the match after their official sponsors Savanna Tobacco warned them against playing in the match citing contractual obligations as the Oya Challenge match was sponsored by their rival- Blend Value another tobacco company.
This brought the Warriors into the fold as replacement for Dynamos.
But Sunday Chidzambwa’s coached Warriors, who are preparing for the regional COSAFA Senior Challenge Cup were outclassed by the Harare giants in all departments and were actually luck to force the match into the dreaded penalty shoot out.
CAPS United striker Nyasha Mushekwi scored first for the Green Machine after pouncing on a rebound from George Karimupfupi five minutes into the second half.
However, Evans Gwekwerere equalised moments later for the Warriors after he pounced on a loose ball when goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda landed badly on the turf. Sibanda, let the ball from his grasp as he grimaced in pain and Gwekwerere was ready to prod the ball into the net to force the match into the dreaded penalty shoot out.
Three CAPS United players Mushekwi, Oscar Machapa and Marlvern Samaneka were stretchered off the pitch and rushed to hospital after sustaining injuries during the match. The Warriors ended up playing with ten man after Rueben Mhlanga was sent off by the South African referee for a second bookable offence.
Elvis Meleka was the first to take his penalty but missed as his shot crashed against the upright.
Howevever,Ajax Cape Town midfielder Archieford Gutu, David Kutyauripo, Pride Tafirenyika and Daniel Vheremu scored for the Warriors.
CAPS United converted all their five spot kicks. Karimupfupi, Gift Mapemba, goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda, Matema and Method Mwanjali all scored for Makepekepe.
Post published in: Football