Herentals College stun Hardrock to set up Scottland semi, Platinum face Hunters

Herentals College FC set up a Munhumutapa Challenge Cup semi-final date with Scotland FC after beating Hardrock FC 6-5 on penalties, while Scotland progressed with a 5-4 shootout win over Bulawayo Chiefs and FC Platinum advanced to face FC Hunters in the other last-four clash.

Hardrock FC were stunned at home by Herentals College FC in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup , a team they beat twice in the league but failed to beat in the cup competition.

The Kwekwe-based side fell 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Chahwanda Stadium on Saturday, as their cup run came to a disappointing end.

Herentals drew first blood in the 11th minute against the run of play. A swift counter-attack unlocked Hardrock, with Milton Chimedza’s defence-splitting pass leaving them exposed, and Gerald Takwara was beaten for pace as Ralph Kawondera slotted home to make it 1-0 to the Students.

Herentals were forced into early changes, making a double substitution after just 25 minutes as Innocent Benza and Joseph Chitavari made way for Blessed Moyo and Tawanda Chisi.

That proved to be the turning point. Hardrock turned on the screws, with Prince Dube and Thubelihle Mavuso both coming close before the pressure finally paid off in the 36th minute. Mavuso’s rasping shot from inside the box was parried by Tinotenda Takarinda, but Washington Navaya was quickest to react to pounce on the rebound and make it 1-1.

They couldn’t be separated at full-time and needed penalties to settle the tie. Marshall Gavaza was the fall guy for Hardrock as his spot-kick was saved by rookie goalkeeper Jimmy Chirima, who was only introduced for the shootout.

FC Platinum coach Thabo Senong

FC PLATINUM CONTINUE TO THRIVE UNDER THABO SENONG

In the other quarter-final at Chahwanda Stadium, Scotland FC also needed penalties to beat Bulawayo Chiefs 5-4 after a goalless draw to set up the semi-final meeting with Herentals College.

At Luveve Stadium, FC Platinum continued to thrive under SA coach Thabo Senong with a 3-0 win over Blanket Mine FC.

Blanket Mine were the only team from the First Division remaining in the tournament, but their fairytale journey ended as Jarrison Selemani opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Emmanuel Dogbey’s brace sealed a comfortable victory.

That sets up the other semi-final, with FC Platinum taking on giant-killers FC Hunters, who eliminated CAPS United 3-1 on penalties on Saturday.

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