An assistant referee sustained a cut above the eye after being struck by a missile as the Chibuku Super Cup quarterfinal clash between CAPS United and Shabanie Mine was abandoned just after the hour-mark due to crowd trouble.
Veteran defender William Mapfumo had beaten the halftime whistle with a superb header to put hosts Shabanie ahead, with favourites CAPS then struggling to convert a series of chances which came their way, much to the frustration of the travelling supporters.
And just when it seemed relief had finally arrived for the Makepekepe faithful after forward John Zhwayo converted from close range on 65 minutes, the assistant referee's flag was up for offside.
Unable to stomach the disappointment, fans then rained missiles on the field, one of which struck the official in question just above the eye to inflict a cut which needed some treatment. The match was subsequently abandoned and CAPS could now face severe punishment from the authorities.
CAPS had gone into the encounter as the only big name still standing after Dynamos, Highlanders, Ngezi, Chicken Inn and FC Platinum had all been eliminated in a first round of upsets in Zimbabwe's premier knockout tournament.
In Sunday's other quarterfinal clash staged in Bulawayo, speedy winger Ishmael Wadi's brilliant solo effort late on fired Bulawayo City into the semifinals following a 1-0 win over Yadah FC.
In a contest pitting two sides of limited individual quality, clear-cut openings were few and far between. Mkhululi Moyo thought he had put City ahead on 10 minutes only for his goal to be chalked off for off-side.
The visitors had their moments too, but just as the match looked to be heading for the penalties, Wadi seized the stage to offer a glimpse of his talent with a brilliant run and neat finish to keep City's hopes of an improbable Chibuku Cup triumph alive.