FC Platinum end Blackrock run as Chiefs ease past Chilli to reach Munhumutapa quarter-finals

After booting Highlanders out of the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, Blackrock FC failed to produce similar heroics, succumbing to FC Platinum in a Round of 16 clash played at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane.

FC Platinum reached the quarter-finals of the competition courtesy of two first-half goals from Trevor Bhunu and Tadiwa Muchenje, eliminating the battling Southern Region Soccer League team.

The match had a slow start, with no meaningful chances in the first five minutes. FC Platinum struck first through the hard-working Bhunu, with a neat tap-in from a well-worked assist by Emmanuel Dogbey.

The home side doubled their score through Muchenje after dispossessing Blackrock FC goalkeeper Alfred Phiri on a back pass before freely tapping the ball home.

Simply put, Phiri was having a bad day in the office and could have conceded at least two more goals in the first half had Oscar Bhebhe been more lethal. FC Platinum led at the break but seemed to drop a gear in the second half, with much of the battle taking place in their own half.

Blackrock were suffocating the Platinum miners, with James Homasha and Andile Dube pulling the strings in midfield. However, the introduction of Mason Mushore and Jarrison Selemani stabilised FC Platinum. Selemani wasted two golden opportunities within two minutes after the hour mark, as FC Platinum could have sealed an emphatic win.

Bulawayo Chiefs ahead of a match at Luveve Stadium. Picture by Bulawayo Chiefs/Facebook

BULAWAYO CHIEFS EASE PAST CHILLI FC INTO THE QUARTER-FINALS

At Ascot Stadium, Bulawayo Chiefs needed just nine minutes to take the lead against Division 2 side Chilli FC, with Arthur Musiiwa finishing off a well-worked team move.

Clive Rupiya doubled their score on the stroke of half-time, putting them in full control of the match. Chilli FC put up a decent performance in the second half, but all their efforts were easily thwarted by the Bulawayo side.

Bulawayo Chiefs march on in the tournament, which has sadly been poorly attended throughout all centres in the country.

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