Veteran forward Protasho Kabwe struck midway through the first half as Harare City stormed into the semifinals of the Chibuku Super Cup with a 1-0 win over Black Rhinos on Saturday.
City are looking determined to atone for their poor league form with some success in the country's premier knockout tournament and they showed attacking intent early on against a rather disappointing Rhinos side.
City coach Philani Ncube made changes following last weekend's 2-1 league loss to Dynamos, with young goalkeeper Tatenda Munditi reclaiming the gloves while fellow former Chemhanza High School star Learnmore Muyambo made a rare start in central midfield.
Forwards Martin Vengesai and Kabwe were also handed starts and the changes appeared to jolt the hosts as they dominated the early exchanges to create some decent openings.
Rhinos, for their part, never really showed up for the fight, with their only meaningful chance coming well into the second half with a Lot Chiunga effort being cleared off the line as City held on for victory.
In the other quarterfinal tie, How Mine scored twice in the first half to see off Chapungu 2-1 at Ascot Stadium.
The scoreline remained goalless as the contest headed for the breather only for Peter Moyo and Tinashe Makanda to bag a goal apiece inside the last seven minutes of the opening half.
Ricky Bota then pulled one back for Chapungu just before the hour-mark but How Mine were able to repel any further attacks to book their semifinal ticket.
The Chibuku Super Cup quarterfinals conclude on Sunday as CAPS United visit Shabannie Mine and Bulawayo City take on Yadah FC.