BY SPORTS REPORTER
ZPC Kariba breathed some life into their faltering Chibuku Super Cup campaign after grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Yadah in a Group 1 encounter at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
Moses Demera scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot just three minutes into the match before his side held for the remainder of the contest to secure a vital win.
The victory ensured ZPC Kariba remain with a mathematical chance of sneaking into the knockout stages after moving up to 11 points, two points behind second-placed Harare City in group one.
City, who have a bye in this weekend having also played a game less than ZPC Kariba are, however, still favorites to seal their quarter-final berth, needing just one point from the last two games.
Yesterday’s result, however, effectively ended Yadah’s hopes of progressing as the Miracle Boys are second from bottom on seven points.
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The match got off to an electric start for ZPC Kariba after they were awarded a contentious penalty by the referee Grace Gimo, who adjudged that Bryon Madzokere handled inside the box.
Despite protests from the Yadah players, Demera calmly stepped up to send the Yadah goalkeeper Panashe Nyabunga the wrong way.
Yadah were robbed of what looked like a clear penalty late in the first half when Lennox Mucheto was fouled inside the box only for the match referee to award a freekick outside the box. Television replays, however, showed the incident had happened well inside the penalty area.
Although Yadah dominated possession and created the better chances for the remainder of the contest, ZPC Kariba held on to secure an important win.
Elsewhere, Black Rhinos booked their place in the knockout stage following their 1-1 draw against Manica Diamonds at Baobab Stadium in Ngezi.
They join Cranbourne Bullets as the two teams progressing from Group 3. Bullets, who had already booked their place in the last eight, continued their good run with a 1-0 win over Tenax at Sakubva Stadium.
Chibuku Super Cup results and fixtures
Yesterday: Black Rhinos 1-1 Manica Diamonds, Ngezi Platinum Stars 1-2 FC Platinum, Tenax 0-1 Cranborne Bullets, Chicken Inn 1-1 Bulawayo Chiefs
Today: Triangle United v WhaWha (Mandava, 11pm), Bulawayo City v Highlanders (Barbourfields, 1pm).