By Tapiwa Chawagarira
The curtain came down on the preliminary round of the 2026 Chibuku Super Cup in dramatic fashion on Wednesday as TelOne FC and Agama FC emerged victorious after nerve-wracking penalty shootouts to seal the final two places in the tournament’s Round of 16.
Both fixtures ended with penalties deciding the outcome, underlining the fiercely contested nature of Zimbabwe’s premier domestic knockout competition. TelOne overcame Triangle United 5-4 in the shootout, while Agama produced a similar result against Manica Diamonds, also winning 5-4 on penalties to keep their cup dream alive.
TelOne’s victory was particularly significant as it came against last year’s Chibuku Super Cup runners-up, Triangle United, whose hopes of going one better than their 2025 final appearance came to an abrupt end. Triangle reached last season’s final before narrowly losing 1-0 to Dynamos, but this year their campaign lasted just one match as they bowed out at the preliminary stage.
The WiFi Boys will now turn their attention to a blockbuster Round of 16 encounter against defending champions Dynamos FC. The Harare giants, chasing another successful cup campaign, will be wary of a rejuvenated TelOne side buoyed by Wednesday’s hard-fought triumph.
Agama also had plenty to celebrate after eliminating Manica Diamonds in another penalty shootout. The newly promoted side showed composure under pressure to book a date with MWOS FC in the next round, extending what has already become an impressive first season in the top flight.
The preliminary round featured the four clubs occupying the bottom positions in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League standings after the first half of the season. Only two places were available in the main draw, making every moment of Wednesday’s encounters crucial as teams battled to prolong their cup journeys.
Attention now shifts to the Round of 16, where several mouth-watering fixtures await. League leaders Scotland FC will take on FC Platinum, while high-flying newcomers Hardrock FC face Bulawayo Chiefs. CAPS United have been drawn against Simba Bhora, Herentals College meet FC Hunters, Ngezi Platinum Stars clash with ZPC Kariba, Highlanders renew their rivalry with Chicken Inn, MWOS host Agama, and TelOne square off against Dynamos.
Running from 4 August to 28 November, the Chibuku Super Cup remains one of Zimbabwean football’s most coveted trophies, with its knockout format renowned for producing shocks and memorable giant-killing performances. Following an opening day filled with tension and penalty drama, supporters can expect another thrilling chapter when the Round of 16 gets underway later this month.
