A DEPLETED Hardrock FC showed remarkable character to book their place in the Chibuku Super Cup final after beating FC Hunters 5-4 on penalties in a semi-final clash played at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe on Saturday.

Nicknamed the Kasongo Boys, Hardrock went into the break trailing 2-0 courtesy of goals from Godfrey Dabgwa and Ronald Pfumbidzai, who doubled Hunters’ lead three minutes before half-time.

The Kwekwe-based side were reduced to 10 men in the 72nd minute when defender Misheck Ngwenya was shown a second yellow card and subsequently sent off.

However, Hardrock refused to give up, with Prince Dube pulling one back from the penalty spot before completing his brace with an 89th-minute equaliser to force the match into a penalty shootout.

The Kasongo Boys held their nerve from the spot, winning 5-4 to secure their place in the final.

Speaking after the match, Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu described the victory as another miracle for his side.

“I think it’s just our season. We saw another miracle, trailing 2-0 and winning the match in the end.

“The team deserves praise because this is what we want. Winning and booking a place in the final, what more can we ask for?” he said.

Hardrock will face the winner between CAPS United and Highlanders, who meet in the other semi final scheduled for Sunday afternoon at Rufaro Stadium in Harare.

The 2026 Chibuku Super Cup final will be played at Chahwanda Stadium on November 28 and is set to become the first local football match to feature Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.