FC Platinum Wins Independence Trophy

The Mighty Bulls thought they had wrapped up the match when Norman Maroto gave them a 11th minute which they hung on to until the clock reached the 90 minutes of regulation play. Defender Quadr Amini then came from nowhere in injury time to equalise for FC Platinum and forced the game into the penalties.

The rules governing the Independence Trophy dictate that there is no extra time in the event of a draw with penalties instead taking centre stage.

When the penalties finally came Joel Ngodzo, Amin, Daniel Veremu and Michelle Katsvairo, all converted for FC Platinum while goalkeeper  Tafadzwa Dube, who has a knack for saving penalties, did just that when he saved Gift Phiri and Protasho Kabwe’s efforts.

Only Morris Kadzola found the target for the Mighty Bulls but the damage had already been done, giving Motor Action their second loss in a cup final this year having lost 2-1 to Dynamos in the NetOne Charity Shield.

This is also FC Platinum second cup success after winning the Bob 88 Super Cup 2-1 at the expense of Hwange.

For winning the trophy FC Platinum received $12 000 while the Mighty Bulls took home $8 000. The government, which sponsored the tournament, provided $50 000 for all the four teams that took part in the competition.

Hwange finished third after beating Dynamos 4-3 on penalties at White City Stadium. Coincidentally, the two teams had also finished one-all in regulation time.

The teams will now turn their attention to Premiership action this weekend where FC Platinum have a tough Zvishavane derby against Shabanie Mine with Dynamos at home to Black Mambas.

The Mighty Bulls travel to Bulawayo for a date against Quelaton while Hwange play Hardbody in Gweru.

Struggling Caps United face a rejuvenated Harare City with the match between Blue Rangers and Chicken Inn rounding off the weekend soccer programme.