NGEZI PLATINUM STARS . . . (1) 2
TRIANGLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
HIGH-FLYING Ngezi Platinum Stars progressed to the quarterfinals of the Chibuku Super Cup after a narrow home win over visiting Triangle at Baobab yesterday.
Winger Malvin Gaki and Takunda Benhura scored a goal in each half respectively to ensure that platinum miners remain in the hunt for the country’s premier knockout competition.
Veteran striker Newman Sianchali got the consolation goal for Triangle late on.
Ngezi Platinum won the Chibuku Super Cup in 2016 and came close to reclaiming it in 2019 and 2021 when they lost 5-3 on penalties to FC Platinum.
In second place in the league race, Ngezi Platinum are chasing a double and will be looking to bag at least a trophy in a season when they are arguably the most exciting team under Takesure Chiragwi.
Gaki gave Ngezi Platinum the lead with a volley two minutes before the break after a flick-on by Marlon Mushonga.
The hosts had dominated the first half and were unlucky not to take a bigger lead to half time.
Benhura would go on to double the lead in the 67th minute before Siachali grabbed the face-saver for the visitors two minute from time.
At Gibbo, Black Rhinos pulled a shocker after they dumped Manica Diamonds out of the Chibuku Super Cup.
Rhinos, who are the bottom team in the league, needed a 6-5 penalty shootout victory to progress to the last eight against all odds.
It was Saul Chaminuka’s second shootout win of the competition after they beat Sheasham in a penalty lottery in the primary round at Baobab on Wednesday.
Yesterday, inform striker Lot Chiunga had stunned the hosts with a well taken goal early in the second half, but Manica Diamonds got a lifeline courtesy of a Ralph Kawondera strike. However, they lost the match on penalties.
In Bulawayo, Chicken Inn beat newcomers Green Fuel by a goal to nil.
Today’s Fixtures
Highlanders v Bulawayo Chiefs (Barbourfields)
CAPS United v Hwange (Bata Stadium)
Herentals v ZPC Kariba ( Mandava)