Visitors Nichrut beat Black Rhinos 2-1 at the giant National Sports Stadium to progress to the next round of the Chibuku Super Cup.
Two own goals by Black Rhinos defender Shadreck Jimu in the 38th minute of the first half and another blunder by goalkeeper Ashley Rayners following an ill-timed back pass by captain and centre-back Bruce Homora in the 70thminute gave the visitors an unexpected boost despite a late goal by Rhinos substitute Honey Chimutimunzeve.
Black Rhinos had the better of chances in both halves but their strikers Masimba Mambare, Wellington Taderera, and Donald Mudadi could not convert.
Mambare hit the crossbar in the first half and the rebound fell to Taderera who fluffed his lines with the goalkeeper to beat.
The match which was played before an empty stadium never rose to expectations despite Black Rhinos coming from a heavy win, looked tired and played second fiddle to the visitors Nichrut who fielded a second-string side.
Rhinos midfield was overrun by Nichrut marshalled defensive midfielder Asani Nhongo, Farai Vimisayi and man-of-the-match dreadlocked Shepherd Sithole who gave Rhinos left-back Marvine Mekiwa a torrid time.
The second half was more of the same as the visitors Nichrut were content with keeping and passing the ball around while Rhinos either shot hurriedly and from distance which never troubled goalkeeper Stanley Chakwana.
Black Rhinos substitutes Chimutimunzeve and Lot Chiwunga could have won the game for the home side but either shot wide or hurriedly over the crossbar when presented with glorious chances.
Meanwhile, Dynamos edged Bulawayo Chiefs 1-0 at Rufaro Stadium while Chapungu beat FC Platinum 5-4 on penalties after the match had ended 2-2 in regulation time.
Ngezi Platinum Stars were also knocked out of the prestigious Chibuku Super Cup when they lost 3-4 on penalties at the hands Herentals.
The match had initially ended 1-1 after 90 minutes and had to be decided by the dreaded penalty shootout.
Source – ZBC
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