BULAWAYO – Highlanders beat Bulawayo Chiefs 6-5 on penalties to see off a fierce challenge by their city neighbours in an absorbing2023 Chibuku Super Cup first round derby played at Barbourfields stadium on Sunday.
This was after the headline match of the Chibuku first round fixtures had ended 2-2 after 90 minutes with all the four goals scored in the first half.
Former Warriors star Danny Phiri had put the cup holders on the front foot with a beautiful goal from a set piece 13 minutes into the clash before Highlanders scored two in quick succession through Lynoth Chikuhwa and McKinnon Mushore after 16 and 18 minutes respectively.
Farau Matare restored parity for Chiefs with a minute left to the half time break.
The second period was an equally grueling affair with both teams going fiercely at each other but without a goal to separate them.
After the final whistle confirmed a stalemate, the sides had to be separated through the dreaded spot kicks with Highlanders eventually winning the tie, which saw the premiership log leaders find their revenge against a side that knocked them out of the country’s richest cup last year.
The result means that Highlanders are yet to lose a competitive football match this season.
Chiefs have also lost the right to defend their trophy they won last year.
Meanwhile, in other Chibuku Super Cup matches played Sunday, Caps United needed an early goal scored eight minutes into the match by Clive Rupiya to beat Hwange 1-0 at Bata stadium and progress to the next round.
In another clash, 2022 Chibuku Super Cup losing finalists Herentals College beat ZPC Kariba 1-0 to earn a second round spot in the knockout tournament.
