Herentals booked their place in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup semi-finals after edging hosts Hardrock FC 6-5 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at Chahwanda yesterday.
Captain Ralph Kawondera put The Students ahead in the 11th minute with a superb volley that beat Hardrock goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga.
The hosts responded strongly and were rewarded in the 35th minute when Washington Navaya pounced on a rebound from close range to level the scores after Hardrock had mounted sustained pressure on the Herentals defence.
The match developed into an entertaining end-to-end contest, with Hardrock enjoying a slight advantage in the second half.
Navaya came close to completing his brace, but his header was cleared off the line and the resulting effort was turned behind for a corner, while Neliswa Dlamini narrowly missed the target.
With neither side able to find a winner after 90 minutes, the tie was decided through a penalty shootout.
Tinotenda Muringai, Prince Dube, Gerald Takwara, Wilferd Madzungu and Misheck Ngwenya converted for Hardrock, but Marshall Gavaza saw his effort saved by substitute goalkeeper Jimmy Chimbira.
Herentals were clinical from the spot, with Kawondera, Wimore Chimbetu, Blessing Moyo, Tawanda Chisi and Clemence Zimhondi all converting before Elasto Chigora struck the decisive sixth penalty to send The Students into the semi-finals.
Herentals coach Celestino Benza said his side had deliberately prepared for the possibility of penalties.
“We knew that we were coming against a very good side with very good players and a very good coach. Coming here, we knew that we were coming against a very big challenge,” said Benza.
He said securing a draw in regulation time was part of their strategy after losing away to Hardrock.
“For us, getting a draw in the regulation time was going to be enough and then take the game to penalties because we had lost away against Hardrock.”
Benza, however, rued conceding after taking the lead and said the early injury to defender Joseph Chitavira disrupted his team’s plans.
Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu admitted his side had failed to capitalise on their chances.
“This is a trophy that allows you to play in the Confederation Cup. We could have wrapped up the game in the first half; we had chances where we could have scored and also we gave away an easy goal,” he said.
Kaindu said Hardrock must now focus on recovering from the defeat.
“In football there are three results: you win, you lose, and you draw, and if we are saying we can’t lose then we don’t have a team. The only thing that we need is to respond after losing today.”
