FC Platinum’s resurgence under Senong continues, Munhumutapa semi-final spot booked

FC Platinum’s unbeaten run under South African coach Thabo Senong continues after an emphatic 3-0 over Blanket Mine at Luveve Stadium on Sunday, ensured passage to the semi-finals the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.

The result ended Blanket Mine’s fairy-tale run in the inaugural tournament. The Gwanda-based outfit were the only Division One side left in the competition and had enjoyed an historic journey, knocking out two Premiership teams- TelOne FC and Triangle United.

But FC Platinum proved too strong to handle for Blanket, despite the Gwanda-based side’s impressive run in the Central Region Soccer League, which has seen them topping them table and on course for promotion to the PSL.

FC Platinum took the lead in the 4th minute from the penalty spot after Oscar Bhebhe burst into the box from the left wing, before he was fouled.

Jarrison Selemani stepped up to convert from 12 yards to draw first blood for the Zvishavane-based side.

FC Platinum remained in control, with Selemani winning the ball just outside the 18-yard area and unleashing a shot that was deflected away from the Blanket Mine goal.

Further attempts came from Bhebhe and Selemani, but neither could find a way past Binneck Matiya -in goal for Blanket.

The hosts had their own bright moments, the best of which came just before half-time when Malvin Nyauyanga looked to shoot from inside the box but was not afforded an opportunity by a resolute FC Platinum defense.

Selemani’s early goal was the difference between the two ideas at the half time break.

FC Platinum returned for the second half with the same impetus with which they ended the first half.

They doubled their advantage in the 57th minute through Emmanuel Dogbey who headed home a cross from Selemani.

Having had most of the possession, FC Platinum goalkeeper Manfred Ekoi was eventually called into action in the 57th minute when he stretched wide to his right to deny Matthew Hlabathi.

The bulk of the action remained at the other end, where Bhebhe and Selemani directed shots on target but without enough power to trouble Matiya, while Blanket Mine defender Felix Moyo proved crucial as he cleared two goal-bound efforts from Emmanuel Dogbey off the line.

Frustration continued in the latter stages for Blanket Mine, who looked very tired and could not keep up with Platinum’s tempo. A point-blank effort from Dogbey, who timed his run superbly to connect with a lovely diagonal ball from Oscar Bhebhe sealed the FC Platinum, s victory.

“It’s congratulations to the boys, they stuck to the game plan. We were impressed with how they applied themselves. We knew Blanket would be direct, so we needed to block their crosses and deny them opportunities to go wide, which we did very well. Credit to the boys for their discipline and application. And we knew they were going to get tired in the latter part of the game because of their schedule in Division One,” said Thabo Senong.

The supporters should be happy we were doing this for the FC Platinum supporters to be honest added Senong.

Indeed The pure platinum play supporters should be over the moon as their ladies side, Platinum Royals, have also booked their place in the semi-finals of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup after beating Harare City Queens 8-7 on penalties on Saturday.

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