Ten-Men Herentals Knock Out Ngezi Platinum in Munhumutapa Challenge Cup

Ngezi Platinum Stars —(0)1
Herentals College—(0)3

Innocent Muchochomi in Mhondoro-Ngezi

Ten-men Herentals College produced a vintage performance to knock Ngezi Platinum Stars out of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup in an entertaining end-to-end encounter at Baobab Stadium in Mhondoro-Ngezi on Saturday.

Despite finishing the game reduced to 10 men, Herentals showed remarkable character and resilience, creating several clear-cut chances and, had they been more clinical, could have gone into the break with a healthy advantage.

Herentals finally broke the deadlock shortly after half-time when Ralph Kawondera found the back of the net to lead in the 55th minute

Ngezi responded swiftly, with striker Marvellous Mukumba restoring parity with a spectacular volley

With both sides pushing for victory, Herentals stepped up their attacking pressure and regained the lead when Eric Dombo capitalised on a poor defensive clearance before unleashing a powerful effort into the far corner, giving an otherwise impressive Ngezi goalie, Mariyoni Chang, no chance

However, Dombo’s celebrations proved costly. Already on a yellow card, the Herentals forward was booked for a second time after removing his shirt during the celebration and was subsequently sent off.

Despite being reduced, Herentals remained resolute and frustrated Ngezi’s attempts to find a second equaliser.

As Ngezi struggled to maintain their momentum in the dying moments, Herentals substitute Lot Chiwunga put the result beyond doubt with a late goal.

The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Ngezi, who have now suffered elimination from two cup competitions on their home turf.

Ngezi coach Mutiwekuziva admitted that his side had failed to protect their home fortress.

“It is quite disappointing that we are failing to protect the fortress of our home.”

” This is now the second cup competition in which we have been eliminated while playing at home. We were knocked out of the Chibuku Super Cup, and now we are out of this competition.”

“Considering that this is one of the most lucrative cups, as a coach and as a team, we would love to progress, but we did not do much in this game.

“It is quite disappointing, but that is part of the game. We now have to focus on the league,” said Mutiwekuziva.

While Mutiwekuziva was unhappy with his defenders’ lapses in concentration, his Herentals counterpart Paul Benza praised his charges for their determination and persistence despite carrying the underdog tag.

“I am very happy with the win, especially against Ngezi at their backyard. It gives us confidence, and the boys are also happy to have delivered.”

“This result gives us confidence that we can defeat any opponent as we pursue our goal of reaching the final,” said Benza.