BULAWAYO - A sudden death penalty miss by Warriors midfielder Kudakwashe Mahachi gifted FC Platinum an Independence Trophy semifinal victory over Highlanders in an uninspiring encounter at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
Both teams managed to convert their stipulated five penalty kicks with Mthulisi Maphosa, Charles Sibanda, Bruce Kangwa, Gabriel Nyoni and Innocent Mapuranga on target for the hosts while Qadr Amin, Thabani Kamusoko, Raphael Muduviwa, Wisdom Mtasa and Nelson Maziwisa netted for the visitors.
VILLAIN: Highlanders star winger Kuda Mahachi, left, missed the decisive spot kick that knocked Bosso out of the Uhuru Cup.
Mahachi then took the responsibility of dispatching his team’s sixth kick and his tame effort was easily saved by FC Platinum keeper Talbert Shumba.
FC Platinum defender James Marufu then managed to keep his cool and easily converted the winner for his side.
The platinum miners will square up against holders Dynamos in the final next month.
FC Platinum head coach Lloyd Mtasa hailed his charges for registering their first ever victory over Highlanders at Barbourfields.
“What is worrying is that we failed to turn our dominance into goals but the good thing is that this was our first win against Highlanders at B/F and I think it is a good sign for us going forward,” Mutasa said.
The visitors could have easily romped to victory in regulation time had their forwards been more clinical in front of goal.
Platinum were on top of the situation for long periods during the game while Highlanders only came to the party in the final quarter after shoring up their midfield by introducing Mthulisi Maphosa and Felex Chindungwe for Welcome Ndiweni and Hillary Madzivanyika.
Highlanders were twice denied by the woodwork during this period with Charles Sibanda and Cleopas Dube watching in disbelief as their efforts hit the crossbar.
Bosso stand-in coach Mark Mathe did not avail himself for a post-match interview as he was reportedly in the shower when journalists requested his presence.
Teams
Highlanders: Njabulo Nyoni, Simon Munawa, Bruce Kangwa, Dumisani Ndlovu, Innocent Mapuranga, Welcome Ndiweni (Mthulisi Maphosa 65 min), Hillary Madzivanyika (Felex Chindungwe 86 min), Knox Mutizwa (Cleopas Dube, 57 min), Gabriel Nyoni, Charles Sibanda.
FC Platinum: Talbert Shumba, Raphael Muduviwa, Qadr Amini, Gift Bello, James Marufu, Simon Shoko, Thabani Kamusoko, Obrey Chirwa (Walter Musona, 46 min), Tatenda Mudehwe, Ali Sadiki (Wisdom Mtasa, 67 min), Njabulo Ncube (Nelson Maziwisa, 72 min).