ZPC Kariba (0)
Ngezi Platinum Stars (1)2
Ngezi Platinum secured a 2-0 victory over ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga Stadium, handing the hosts their second home defeat of the season.
The match was a tale of two teams: ZPC Kariba with attacking intent and Ngezi Platinum with clinical finishing and defensive solidity.
From the start, ZPC Kariba showed promise, particularly on the right flank, where Genius Hute impressed with his dribbling, challenging Ngezi Platinum captain Qadri Amin.
Ngezi’s Macdonald Makuwe also broke through the ZPC lines but was thwarted by a well-timed tackle from Ciphas Musikavanhu.
ZPC Kariba created several opportunities.
Moses Demera attempted a long-range shot after a clever through ball from Hute, and a long pass from Marshal Gavaza to Hute was blocked by Ngezi defender Nyasha Gurende, highlighting the visitors' strong defence.
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Ngezi's Talent Chamboko scored amidst a scramble in the ZPC Kariba box, putting the visitors up 1-0 by halftime.
Demera later missed another chance linked to Gavaza’s delivery.
In the second half, ZPC Kariba dominated possession and created most of the chances, but Ngezi Platinum struck decisively again.
Marvelous Mukumba extended Ngezi’s lead in the 56th minute with a precise shot that exploited a defensive lapse.
An unfortunate moment for the visitors came when Ngezi goalkeeper Darlington Murasiranwa was injured attempting a save from a long-range shot by Collen Muleya.
ZPC Kariba coach Newton Chitewe praised his team's effort but criticized their defense.
"We fell from the defense, which failed to control the attack from Ngezi Platinum," Chitewe said. "There were a lot of blunders in defence.”
For the first goal, they allowed the Ngezi player to turn and shoot straight, giving our opponents a goal ahead of us. Secondly, there was one defender left, allowing Ngezi to score a second goal."
Ngezi Platinum coach Takesure Chiragwi expressed his gratitude to his players for their performance.
"I want to thank the players for playing well," Chiragwi stated. "It's difficult; we are almost at the twilight zone of the season, and winning a match, especially away from home, is a bonus to us.
“Also, having travelled about 500kms away from home, I think we have done a good job."