Knowledge Musona struck late as Scottland FC beat Highlanders 1-0 to win their maiden Uhuru Cup in a rain-hit final at Maphisa Stadium yesterday.
The match, part of Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence celebrations, was reduced to 20 minutes per half after heavy rains left the pitch waterlogged for the second straight year.
With the surface unplayable, both sides resorted to long balls and physical duels.
Highlanders came closest early on when Mongameli Tshuma picked out Reason Sibanda, whose effort flew over the bar.
Musona settled the contest in the 37th minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the box before firing past the goalkeeper to spark celebrations among Scottland fans.
Scottland coach Norman Mapeza downplayed the result, stressing the occasion.
“What’s important is that people here got to see players like Musona and Kuda Mahachi,” he said. “I’m happy for the fans and I congratulate the government for bringing football here.”
Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari blamed a defensive lapse.
- Musona off to promising start in Saudi Arabia
- CR7 yearns for Musona face-off
- Musona rides on rich vein of good form
- Bosso brace for Yadah challenge
Keep Reading
“We didn’t deal well with long balls and against a team like Scottland, you get punished,” he said.
The win is Scottland’s second trophy this season after the Castle Challenge Cup and continues their rapid rise following last year’s league title.
Highlanders remain winless in seven league matches and are still chasing a 10th Uhuru Cup crown.
They face Chicken Inn in a Bulawayo derby on Wednesday, while Scottland host Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium.
