Scottland FC falls to Hardrock in Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals

SCOTTLAND FC crashed out of the Chibuku Super Cup on Wednesday after losing 1-0 to Hardrock FC in the quarter-finals at Rufaro Stadium.

The Premier Soccer League newcomers were undone by a 15th-minute strike from Eswatini midfielder Neliswa Dhlamini, which proved enough to send Hardrock into the semi-finals.

The defeat is a setback for Scottland, who have enjoyed an impressive league campaign and recently progressed beyond the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.

Speaking after the loss, Scottland coach Norman Mapeza said his players had given their best despite the demanding fixture schedule.

“We all want to win, but look, the boys gave their best.

“We are coming from a CAF assignment, and we played a team that had an 8-day rest.

“What is now important is to regroup and recover and focus on Saturday’s game,” Mapeza said.

Hardrock’s victory adds another chapter to their impressive debut season, with coach Kelvin Kaindu’s side continuing to compete strongly on multiple fronts.

The Kwekwe-based side is also putting pressure on Scottland in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, sitting second on the log with 57 points, one behind leaders Scottland.

Hardrock remain in contention for the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, where they are among the remaining eight teams.

Following their victory over Scottland, Hardrock will now face FC Hunters in the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals, while CAPS United take on Highlanders in the other fixture.

The winners of the two semi-final matches will meet in the final scheduled for November 28 at Chahwanda Stadium.

Scottland will now turn their attention back to the league as they seek to maintain their position at the top of the PSL table.

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