Ngezi stun How Mine

Sport
How mine . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1 Ngezi Platinum . . . . . (1) 2 NGEZI Platinum Stars substitute Evans Katema forced a goal in optional time to ensure maximum points for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League newcomers, beating How Mine at Luveve Stadium yesterday.

How mine . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1 Ngezi Platinum . . . . . (1) 2 NGEZI Platinum Stars substitute Evans Katema forced a goal in optional time to ensure maximum points for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League newcomers, beating How Mine at Luveve Stadium yesterday.

Katema capitalised on a mistake by How Mine goalkeeper Donovan Bernard and his forceful challenge paid off, shrugging off challenge from two defenders inside the penalty box to get the late winner.

How Mine, who were in control of the game, were awarded a penalty three minutes into the game after Toto Banda was fouled by goalkeeper Nelson Chadya, but Qadir Amini missed the spot-kick hitting the left upright.

Ngezi Platinum striker James Nguluve then broke the deadlock after beating Bernard on the far post with a shot after he was spotted on the run on the left by Nelson Ketala. The goldminers equalised eight minutes after the break through a Tsepo Ranthokoane header after he came to the end of a substitute Kudakwashe Musharu cross.

Ngezi Platinum coach Tonderai Ndiraya was delighted with the win, saying it gave his boys confidence going forward as they plotted remaining in top flight football.

“I thought we were on the back foot for much of the game. But the boys worked hard for the three points. It will give them confidence going forward. How Mine were in control but could not find the sucker punch,” Ndiraya said.

How Mine coach Kelvin Kaindu, who last collected maximum points with a 2-1 win over CAPS United on May 14, was a visibly disappointed man, saying his defence was not up to scratch.

“I think the way we are defending is not improving. We are conceding where we are not supposed to. There wasn’t much threat from Ngezi. We just gave away victory,” Kaindu said. Teams: How Mine: D Bernard, P Tonha, Q Amini, T Kumbuyani, N Tachi, M Sakala, T Ranthokoane (T January 73’), P Manhanga (H Masuku 82’), T Banda, G Nguwodzawo (K Musharu 50’) Ngezi Platinum: N Chadya, K Murera, N Ketala, L Chakoroma, K Machona, J Marufu (K Kapikinyu 71’), E Tapera, D Tavari, W Pakamisa (E Katema 66’), J Nguluve, M Emmanuel (I Sokosi 61’)

BY FORTUNE MBELE