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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
CHICKEN Inn captain Moses Jackson rued missed scoring opportunities which led to Highlanders fighting back to knock them out of the ZNA Charities Shield quarter-finals. The league champions, who enjoyed superior ball possession, deservedly shot into the lead two minutes before half-time through ex-Highlanders striker Obidiah Tarumbwa, who capitalised on sluggish defending to slot the ball past Ariel Sibanda.

Highlanders drew level through Bruce Kangwa in the 73rd minute with a well taken shot that hit the roof of the net. The match went into the dreaded penalty shootout where Chicken Inn were beaten 2-4 with Guide Goddard and Physwell Madhazi’s spot kicks being superbly saved by Sibanda.

All Highlanders penalty takers Kangwa, Knox Mutizwa, Rahman Kutsanzira and Erick Mudzingwa scored.

Despite missing six key members of the squad, goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, central defender Lawrence Mhlanga, right-back Passmore Bernard, midfielders Danny Phiri and Tafadzwa Kutinyu as well as winger Edmore Chirambadare, Chicken Inn played some good football with their midfield dominating.

The champions had Brian Juru, Thabani Goredema, Canaan Nkomo and Clemence Matawu in midfield. Tarumbwa and Moses Demera kept Highlanders’ defenders on their toes.

“I think we paid dearly for missing our chances because we created more real scoring opportunities that Highlanders, but they got one and punished us. Otherwise we should have won the game in 90 minutes. Then again penalties are a lottery, the lucky team sails through,” said Jackson.

About missing players, Jackson praised the team that faced Bosso and said everyone in the squad deserves to play. He said yesterday’s display proved that they have a strong squad as the replacements stood the heat.