New Highlanders forward Rodrick Mutuma missed the deciding spot kick to hand the Green Machine their first silverware of the 2017 season.
Makepekepe goalkeeper Jorum Muchambo was the toast of the day saving two spots kicks from Tendai Ngulube and Rodrick Mutuma to give his side a 3-2 victory over Bosso in a well attended and exciting match that saw each side giving as much as it got during regulation time but failing to find the back of the net.
Caps had a glorious chance to take the lead after referee Philani Ncube awarded them a penalty following a reckless challenge in the box by a Bosso defender, but veteran Leonard Tsipa saw his effort saved by Prosper Mathuthu to wild cheers from the Bosso faithfuls.
Highlanders were denied what seemed a genuine penalty after speedy Gabriel Nyoni was brought down inside the area by Valentine Musarurwa only for referee Philani Ncube who struggled to control the match to adjudge a free kick outside the box.
Each team was to create chances but still failed to find the back of the net till the dreaded penalty shootout which was characterised by a 10 minute delay as both teams tussled over which ball to use.
Makepekepe converted through Cabby Kamhapa, Ronald Pfumbidzai and Justice Jangano while efforts from Moses Muchenje and Tafadzwa Rusike cannoned off the upright.
Bosso only found the back of the net twice through Adrian Silla and Simon Munawa with Tendai Ngulube, Bukhosi Ncube and Rodrick Mutuma missing their efforts.
Both coaches were satisfied with their teams’ performance despite conceding there was still some work to get them to speed with the requirements of the imminent 2017 league season.
Victors Caps United walked away US$12 000 richer while runners up Highlanders pocketed US$8 000 in the tournament aimed at benefitting the ZNA’s charities.
Highlanders XI: Matutu, Bukhosi Ncube, Simon Munawa, Brian Banda, Tendai Ndlovu, Tendai Nguluve, Honest Moyo, Roderick Mutuma, Gabriel Nyoni, Benson Phiri, Allan Gahadzikwa
CAPS United XI: Bamusi Pheneas, Justice Jangano, Cabby Kamhapa, Muchambo Jorum, Muchenje Moses, Charlton Munzambwa, Valentine Musarurwa, Ronald Pfumbidzayo, Tafadzwa Rusike, Leornad Tsipa, Hardlife Zvirekwi-zbc
