Dikwena had Mbongeni Mzimela to thank for keeping them in the tie in the opening 12 minutes as the goalkeeper produced an excellent save to keep out Kevin Koelly.
Stars then had a great chance to get themselves back into the game as Ndumiso Mabena his side a penalty midway through the first-half, and Benson Shilongo made no mistake after slotting home from the spot.
The hosts were dealt a blow towards the end of the first-half as Tintswalo Tshabalala needed to come off injured, with Siyabonga Zulu coming on in his place.
The Ivorians looked to break up Stars’ momentum in the second-half and started resorting to rough-house tactics, with a number of fouls building up and preventing the PSL outfit from building up any real platform from which to push on for a second goal.
The tactics seemed to be working on Platinum Stars as they struggled to break down a resolute Tanda defence with the clock ticking down.
However, Cavin Johnson’s men were able to finally turn the tie around with 12 minutes remaining, Robert Ng’ambi grabbing the all-important strike to force a penalty shootout.
And, Dikwena were able to come out on top after the lottery of spot kicks, winning 5-4 after AS Tanda missed their vital effort after the shootout had gone to sudden death.
Stars XI: Mzimela, Mnguni (Links 71'), Mere, Mlilo, Mabule, Tshabalala (Zulu 37'), Mathe, Msomi, Ng'ambi, Shilongo (Ntuli 60'), Mabena.
Unused subs: Chibwe, Nhlapo, L. Mathe, Senne.