SCOTTLAND . . . . . . . . .(1)1
GREENFUEL . . . . . . . . .(0)0
FLAMBOYANT league debutants Scottland continued their sensational winning run, stretching their unbeaten streak to seven matches across all competitions after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over GreenFuel in the Chibuku Super Cup first round at Sakubva Stadium yesterday.
The historic victory marks Scottland's triumphant debut in the Chibuku Cup, securing them a coveted spot in the last eight of the prestigious knockout competition.
The win adds to their impressive league form, where they have now won six consecutive matches and occupy a commendable second place on the log.
This latest triumph is a testament to the team's relentless spirit and tactical prowess under the guidance of coach Tonderai Ndiraya.
For GreenFuel, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow as they now shift their focus entirely to the precarious relegation battle that looms large.
Scottland began the match with a strong attacking intent, and their early pressure paid off.
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The breakthrough came through the in-form Namibian midfielder, Moses Shidolo, who has quickly become a fan favourite since his mid-season transfer.
Shidolo, who was also on the scoresheet in last week's stunning 5-2 routing of FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium, seems to be thoroughly enjoying his new life in Zimbabwean football.
The goal was a result of a carefully orchestrated move.
Gareth Madhake, a key figure in the Scottland lineup, sparked the attack from the rear, expertly relaying the ball to Tymon Machope. Machope drew in Mutimbanyoka before Madhake, prolonging his run, reclaimed the ball.
The defender then delivered a pinpoint pass to Shidolo, who calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net after just 16 minutes, sending the Scottland faithful into a frenzy.
Following the goal, Scottland strategically shifted their focus to defending their slender lead, while a determined GreenFuel pushed for an equaliser that never came.
The remainder of the match was a tense affair, with Scottland holding firm against GreenFuel's onslaught.
The victory, however, came at a cost for the high-flying newcomers. The influential Madhake, who has been a standout performer in recent weeks, was forced off the pitch in the 75th minute after sustaining an injury.
A stretcher was called onto the field to assist the defender, a sight that undoubtedly worried coach Ndiraya.
Speaking after the match, Ndiraya expressed his concern for Madhake's injury.
"I think it was a very interesting match. I'm a little bit disappointed by the loss of Madhake; he has been one of our standout players this season," said Ndiraya. "We wait for the doctor's report, but the initial reports that I got so far are not pleasing. We may lose him for a couple of games; he's been key for us, and we just want to wish him a quick recovery."
Reflecting on the match itself, Ndiraya was pragmatic.
"It was a very good game from our end. What was important, the whole idea was for us to progress to the next round of the competition," he noted.
"In cup games, you don't normally demand very beautiful football; what we wanted at the end of the day is the result."
GreenFuel's assistant coach, Godfrey Tamirepi, acknowledged his team's shortcomings.
"Overall, I think we gave it a good shot. When we started the game, we had a very slow start, loose marking resulting in us conceding the solitary goal. Generally, I would give credit to our opponent, who defended very well after they scored the only goal," he said.
In another Chibuku Super Cup tie, Triangle United continued their revival under coach Genesis Mangombe, pulling off a major upset by dumping former champions Ngezi Platinum Stars on penalties at Baobab Stadium in Mhondoro-Ngezi.
The match ended goalless in regulation time, with Triangle winning a thrilling shootout 6-5.
The six teams that have so far booked their spots in the quarter-finals are Dynamos FC, Scottland FC, Bikita Minerals FC, Triangle United FC, Manica Diamonds FC and MWOS FC.
Matches involving Highlanders v Herentals and Chicken Inn v ZPC Kariba were postponed.
