KINSHASA, DRC – Premier Soccer League (PSL) reigning champions Ngezi Platinum Stars were on Sunday eliminated from the CAF Champions League after a heartbreaking 4-3 penalty shootout loss to AS Maniema Union of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Played at Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa, the match which was the second leg, ended in a goalless draw.
Consequently, this forced the decisive penalty shootout after the first leg had ended in a similar scoreline.
Ngezi Platinum missed two penalties through Gareth Madhake and Polite Moyo while Tinotenda Musariranwa, Farai Madhanaga and skipper Kudzai Chigwida converted their attempts.
Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi expressed his disappointment at the defeat.
“It is a hard defeat. It’s painful to get knocked out of the tournament through penalties. The players put in some hard work and I can feel their pain.”
Despite the defeat, Chiragwi praised his team’s performance over the two legs.
“I’m happy with the performance of the boys over the two legs, and going into a penalty shoot-out is like a gamble in which either side can win.”
Ngezi Platinum’s participation in the CAF Champions League was their first since gaining PSL promotion in 2016.
Madamburo as the club is nicknamed, won its maiden PSL title last season, ending FC Platinum’s dominance.
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