Shingi Matibiri, Sports Reporter
Herentals U20 reached the semi-finals of the Axis Super8 Cup after beating the Black Mambas 5-4 on penalties at the Morris Depot Sports Club on Sunday.
The two teams could not be separated in regular time after the match ended 1-1 with both goals in the first half.
Herentals U20 were the first to take the lead through Milton Chimedza before former Dynamos striker Zivanai Mhanda levelled the terms for Black Mambas.
The second half was a low key affair as both teams were a little wary and tried to minimize mistakes which resulted in few chances.
Herentals U20 goalkeeper Simba Chapwanya who came on as a substitute for the injured Nevermind Antonio was voted man of the match for his heroics in the shoot out and got US$100 from the sponsors Axis Solutions.
Herentals U20 will now meet Simba Bhora in the semi finals to be played at the end of the month.
Herentals U20 coach Paul Benza was relieved after the victory but lamented wrong approach from his players going into the match.
“I’m very happy going through because this was a very difficult match for us. Black Mambas came well prepared for this match,” Benza said.
“My players went into the match with a wrong attitude thinking that it was easy because we beat Black Mambas 4-0 recently in the league. But all the same I’m happy with the win.”
Black Mambas coach John Ncube accepted defeat and he is now shifting his focus towards the league.
“We should have wrapped up the game in regulation time before we went for the penalties because penalty shoot outs are more about luck. I can’t really blame my players for missing penalties, it happens it’s part of the game. It wasn’t our day. We now have to focus on the league title because we are still very much in the race,” Ncube said.
Kesiya Chitete, Marketing Manager of Axis Solutions, expressed satisfaction with the level of competition and attendance in the two matches played so far.
“You know that Axis Solutions is synonymous with mobility, agility and security, and it is the same mantra that we instill in communities regarding the development of football and the healthy well-being of our citizens,” Chitete said.
“For us, as Axis Solutions, there are two sides, we are both for the development of football and for the well-being of the players, the fans and the nation as a whole.
“Thanks to Axis Healthcare , we want to give people access to health services in the same way they get other services on their mobile phone, so for us it’s about developing football and also providing health services.
“We are encouraged by the turnout for both games, one in Shamva on Saturday and this one, and we encourage the fans to keep coming in large numbers.
The quarter-finals conclude next week with Ngezi Platinum Stars U19 and Golden Eagles facing off at Baobab Stadium on Saturday, before the Trojan Stars take on Commando Bullets at Trojan Mine Stadium on Sunday.
