|
Zvishavane-based giants FC Platinum are out of the Chibuku Super Cup after going down 1-0 at home to Chapungu United in a first round tie on Saturday. Platinum reached the final last year before losing 3-1 to Ngezi Platinum, but any hopes of a similar run this term were dashed as Brighton Mugoni's penalty conversion just after the hour-mark settled the contest in favour of Chapungu. Saturday's setback could ultimately prove costly for Platinum coach Norma Mapeza, who is under pressure to bring success after three barren seasons at the club. The miners started brightly at Mandava Stadium, creating numerous decent openings but their woes in front of goal once again held them back, with midfielder Winston Mhango capping a miserable afternoon for the hosts with a second-half penalty miss. Another Chibuku Cup first round encounter ended prematurely in Gweru after Chicken Inn players walked off the pitch in protest after Yadah FC had been awarded a penalty in the closing stages of an evenly matched affair. Neither side had managed to find the opener as the match petered out, and Chicken Inn could now find themselves in deep trouble with the authorities for precipitating the last minute abandonment. There were however no such challenges at Gibbo Stadium, where Black Rhinos confined their woeful league form to the back banner to dispatch Triangle United 2-1 and progress to the next round. The hosts were first to seize the initiative as Russell Madamombe headed home a Derwin Phiri cross in the fourth minute. Rhinos drew level just after the quarter-hour mark, with regular scorer Lot Chiunga converting from close range off a James Mukombwe layoff. The army side eventually found the winner in the closing stages to sail into the second round as they seek solace in the premier knockout tournament after seeing their title charge collapse spectacularly in the second-half of the season. In other Chibuku Super Cup first round matches lined up for Sunday, holders Ngezi Platinum host CAPS United while Harare giants Dynamos take on Bulawayo City at Rufaro Stadium. ZPC Kariba are at home to Shabanie Mine, How Mine take on Bantu Rovers in an all Bulawayo clash, with Highlanders and Harare City set to face off in Zvishavane.
|
