FC PLATINUM [1]
HERENTALS [0] 1
Herentals and Bulawayo Chiefs will lock horns in the finals of the Chibiku Super Cup after booting FC Platinum and Black Rhinos respectively in the semi-finals played at Mandava Stadium yesterday.
In the first match, Bulawayo Chiefs beat Black Rhinos on penalties before the defending champions, FC Platinum were bundled out of the tournament by Herentals, also 4-3 on penalties.
The two sides could not be separated in regulation time after Walter Musona’s first half effort was cancelled out by Avi Mataranyika’s last gasp effort.
Herentals coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva was on cloud nine after his side stormed into the finals for the first time in the club’s history.
“Firstly, I want to congratulate my boys for making it through to the semi-finals and succeeding at such a big stage.
“It was always going to be difficult to play FC Platinum but we didn't show them respect, we played blow by blow and my boys showed resilience even when we were a man down.“"It's a first for us, so we have to celebrate this proudly as the Herentals family. We are proud of this result and the character we showed," he said.
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza conceded defeat.
“We wasted chances in both halves, in fact we could have done better in the first half. We did our best and I'm proud of my boys.
“At this point, we have to move on and focus on the league. Congratulations to Herentals. Losing on penalties is part of the game, you win or lose. It's a 50/50 situation.
“Our focus now is on the remaining league games. We hope to succeed in the next tournaments,” he said.
Herentals were clinical from the spot-kicks except for Wilson Chimbetu who missed the target, while Blessing Majarira, William Kapumha, Gibson Chinobva and Clemence Gobvu scored.
Nomore Chinyerere and Juan Mutudza missed penalties for FC Platinum, while Innocent Mucheneka, Gift Mbweti and Brian Banda converted.
FC Platinum started this hotly contested match on the front foot and they deservedly got their first chance after two minutes, though with Moyo hitting the side netting from close range.
Five minutes later Banda wasted another opportunity after being picked out by Walter Musona from inside the box.
Tafadzwa Jim got Herentals’ first chance in 10th minute but his effort was easily collected by Wallace Magalane.
The defending champions broke the deadlock courtesy of the in-form Walter Musona on the 29th minute.
Herentals had defender Luke Ruguchu to blame after a howler, with the ball landing graciously in Banda’s path and he picked out Musona who converted with ease past Takudzwa Chikosi.
The Students returned from break more determined and Brighton Majarira came close to equalizing but his headed effort from a curling free-kick was tipped over the bar by Magalane.
FC Platinum held firm but could do nothing about the Herentals moment of brilliance in the 89th minute.
They launched a counter attack after benefitting from a Mutimbanyoka blind pass, with Davison Marowa going on a dazzling run on the left flank before his low cross was met by Mataranyika who finished with aplomb.
Teams
FC PLATINUM: W Magalane, G Mbweti, G Bello, L Mhlanga, K Mangiza, R Pavari, B Moyo (J Mutudza 76'), B Banda, P Mutimbanyoka, W Musona (N Chinyerere 90'), T Ngwenya (I Mucheneka 90').
HERENTALS: T Chikosi, B Majarira, G Chinobva, B Majarira (A Maliselo 75), G Mukambi, T Jim (C Mujuru 20'), D Chimwemwe (D Marowa 46'), J Zhuwawo (A Mataranyika 80'), W Chimbetu, W Kapumha, L Ruguchu (C Gobvu 46')