MWOS FC BOW OUT OF CHIBUKU SUPER CUP ON PENALTIES

MWOS FC bowed out of the Chibuku Super Cup after Highlanders FC prevailed on penalties following a 1-1 draw at Barbourfields Stadium.

The Punters made a confident start to the contest, with Highlanders controlling much of the early possession while MWOS FC looked to create openings on the counter.

Wilson Mensah produced the first notable attacking moment when he went one-on-one with his marker, beat him with a fine dribble and forced a save from the Highlanders goalkeeper.

Nigel Makumbe provided another threat in the 15th minute when he drove forward and struck from distance, with his effort narrowly missing the target.

MWOS FC continued to find space as the half progressed, with Arthur Banda and Mensah making runs behind the Highlanders defence.

The breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute when Banda rose to meet Makumbe’s delivery and headed the Punters into the lead.

Highlanders increased their pressure after conceding, but the Punters defended their advantage and went into half-time 1-0 ahead.

The hosts returned from the interval with greater urgency and pushed us deeper into their own half.

A header from a Highlanders corner came close in the 55th minute, flashing just wide of the target.

Highlanders eventually levelled in the 61st minute, bringing the score to 1-1.

Tafadzwa Nyabunze was booked two minutes later as the contest became increasingly physical.

MWOS FC made their first changes in the 75th minute, with Tinotenda Mutyambizi and Billy Veremu replacing Arthur Banda and Clive Kwangwari.

Marcelline Mlilo was introduced in the 82nd minute for Wilson Mensah as both sides searched for a winning goal.

Five minutes of added time were played, but neither team could find a second goal.

The match therefore went to a penalty shootout after finishing 1-1 in regulation time.

Billy Veremu took the Punters’ first penalty and converted confidently.

Highlanders scored their opening attempt before Nigel Makumbe was denied from the spot.

The hosts then missed their second penalty, leaving the shootout level.

Aristotle Manyamba converted for MWOS FC before Highlanders responded with another successful attempt.

Marcelline Mlilo’s penalty was saved, while Highlanders converted their fourth kick.

That left Innocent Zambezi with the responsibility of keeping MWOS FC in the shootout.

His effort struck the post, allowing Highlanders to claim victory on penalties.

The result ended MWOS FC’s Chibuku Super Cup campaign after a match in which the Punters had led for 33 minutes and remained within one goal of the hosts throughout.

Banda’s header was the difference between the teams for much of the first half, while MWOS FC’s defensive work kept Highlanders from adding to their tally after the equaliser.

Attention now turns back to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.

MWOS FC return to league action on Saturday, 19 September, when CAPS United FC visit MWOS Ngoni Stadium.

The Punters will now focus on the league campaign and the points available in the remaining fixtures.