ZIMBABWEAN football giants Highlanders and Dynamos were knocked out of the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, suffering disappointing exits from the competition.
The early elimination of the two traditional heavyweights comes as a major setback, with both clubs expected to mount strong challenges for the inaugural competition.
Highlanders recorded a 5-3 defeat on penalties to Southern Region Soccer League side Blackstone after playing a 0-0 draw in regulation time at Colliery Stadium.
Harare giants Dynamos on the other end suffered a 1-0 defeat at the same venue at the hands of another Southern Region Soccer League side Hwange FC on Saturday.
The two giants’ exit left the door open for the remaining clubs to fight for the prestigious trophy, with the competition continuing to produce surprises as lower-ranked sides battle established Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams.
Another surprise package in the league was recorded at Ascot Stadium where TelOne suffered 5-3 defeat on penalties against Central Region Soccer League side Blanket Mine FC.
Elsewhere at Baobab Stadium in Ngezi, CAPS United hammered Division 2 side Scottland FC Academy 6-0 to book a place to the next round, while FC Platinum fought hard to beat Northern Region Soccer League side Marere FC 1-0.
Munhumutapa Challenge Cup Round of 32
Full time:
Blackrock 0-0 (5-3) Highlanders
Scottland Academy 0-6 CAPS United
Marere FC 0-1 FC Platinum
Chicken Inn FC 0-0 (4-5) Ngezi Platinum FC
Simba Bhora 1-1 (5-6) Manica Diamonds
Norton Big Boys 1-3 FC Hunters
TelOne FC 1-1 (3-4) Blanket Mine FC
ZPC Kariba 0-3 Triangle FC
Hwange 1-0 Dynamos
Kwekwe United 0-1 Hardrock
MWOS 0-1 Herentals
Gwanda Pirates 0-0 Jordan FC (Jordan win 3-1 on penalties)
Bulawayo Chiefs 1-0 Agama.
