Highlanders media
HIGHLANDERS Football Club successfully defended the Independence Cup after beating Dynamos 5-3 on penalties in the final played at Mount Darwin High School.
The match ended all nil in 90 minutes and headed for penalties where Bosso was sharp with all their five spot kicks on target. Dynamos only scored three of their penalties with one by Ghanaian Emmanuel Paga being saved by Ariel Sibanda.
Technical manager Baltemar Brito named a strong side to face Dembare, new signing Brighton Manhire made his first start for Bosso, Lynoth Chikuhwa and Stanley were the top 2 strikers upfront. Captain Ariel Sibanda kept his place in goal. The two vice Captains, Peter Muduhwa and Mbongeni Ndlovu were the two centre-backs.
Bosso started the match on a front foot, with good strings of passes even though the ground was not conducive. Bosso battled for almost 70 minutes with 10 men after Andrew Mbeba was shown a straight red card in the 32nd minute for dangerous play.
Dynamos thought they had broken the deadlock on the hour mark when Eli Ilunga found the back of the net from an Elvis Moyo cross but was denied by the offside flag, much to the relief of Bosso.
Dembare will live to regret failing to use its numerical advantage during regulation time.
Peter Muduhwa scored the winning penalty for Bosso which was well taken, sending Mvula the wrong way.
Highlanders came into the match as defending champions after the Bulawayo giants clinched the invitational trophy by beating the same opponents 1-0 at Barbourfields Stadium last year.
Highlanders will now turn their focus to their match on Sunday against Yadah FC.
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