FC Platinum misses out on the Chibuku Super sip

By Geronimo News

FC Platinum were booted out of the Chibuku Super Cup competition following a 3-4 nerve wrecking penalty shoot-out loss to underdogs Herentals in the semifinals of the competition at Mandava Stadium on Sunday.

The match had initially ended 1-1 in regulation and had to be decided through the dreaded penalty kicks.

The platinum miners, who were the tournament favourites, appeared on course to defend their Chibuku Super Cup title as they eyed to cap off a fine season with a league and cup double but alas the Students had the nerve to spoil the party.

In-form striker Walter Musona put the hosts ahead on the half-hour mark with the match going to the break with FC Platinum 1-0 to the good.

The second half stanza had its fair share of moments with both teams trying to penetrate each other in search of goals.

Herentals persistence finally brought some fruits in the final minute of regulation time when second half substitute Tawanda Mataranyika fired home the equaliser forcing the match to go to the penalty shootout.

The Students would eventually win the match 4-3 to progress to the final of the Chibuku Super Cup competition for the first time where they will face off with Bulawayo Chiefs at the Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.

FC Platinum’s defeat at the hands of Herentals quashed their hopes of having another Chibuku Super sip for a record third time after claiming the competition’s bragging rights twice in 2014 and 2021.