HARARE – Highlanders booked their place in the Chibuku Super Cup final after defeating CAPS United 3-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Sunday’s semi-final at Rufaro Stadium.
The Bulawayo side will meet Hardrock in the final on November 28 at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe, with the match also set to mark the first use of Video Assistant Referee technology in Zimbabwean football.
CAPS United appeared on course for victory after David Marowa put them ahead in the 61st minute, firing a powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area that went in off the underside of the crossbar.
Highlanders goalkeeper Aron Ngwenya kept United in contention with a point-blank save but was injured during the incident and replaced by Reward Muza.
Highlanders found an equaliser with 10 minutes remaining. Andrew Mbeba delivered a free-kick into the box and Reason Sibanda rose at the far post to head home, sending the contest into a penalty shootout.
Muza proved decisive from the spot, saving attempts from Nyasha Gurende and Alleny Mukombedzi, while Obey Chirinda sent his effort over the crossbar. Lloyd Njaliwa was the only CAPS United player to convert, as Highlanders scored their first three penalties to secure a 3-1 victory.
Hardrock had claimed the first final place on Saturday after producing a dramatic comeback against Hunters. Trailing 2-0, Kelvin Kaindu’s side recovered through two late goals from Prince Dube to force a 2-2 draw before winning 5-4 on penalties.
The final will give Hardrock home advantage at Chahwanda Stadium, where the Kwekwe club will face a Highlanders side seeking to turn its semi-final resilience into silverware.
The introduction of VAR adds another dimension to the occasion, marking a first for Zimbabwean football and placing the cup final in the spotlight beyond the contest for the trophy.
