FC Platinum inch closer

Sport
FC PLATINUM edged closer to a historic first-ever league title with a clinical dispatch of former champions Dynamos in an explosive Castle Lager Premier League duel at Mandava Stadium yesterday.

FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . .(2)2 Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)0 FC PLATINUM edged closer to a historic first-ever league title with a clinical dispatch of former champions Dynamos in an explosive Castle Lager Premier League duel at Mandava Stadium yesterday.

BY MUKUDZEI CHINGWERE

FC Platinum forward Walter Musona was on target as the Zvishavane-based side completed a double over Dynamos at Mandava Stadium yesterday
FC Platinum forward Walter Musona was on target as the Zvishavane-based side completed a double over Dynamos at Mandava Stadium yesterday

Defender Kelvin Moyo and forward Walter Musona struck first half goals as the miners opened up a four-point gap over second-placed CAPS United, who host How Mine at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.

It was a perfect response by the players to coach Norman Mapeza, who had challenged them to put a brave fight in the home stretch after an unexpected drop of points at basement club Border Strikers.

Yesterday’s outcome means the miners have completed an impressive double over powerhouse DeMbare this season. As for Dynamos, they remain stuck on 38 points, now 13 points behind the leaders and Lloyd Mutasa admitted that they were out of the race.

“That [yesterday’s performance] was not good enough to challenge for honours. We created chances, but we failed to take the chances that we got. We also made two costly mistakes, gifting them the goals. Losing twice in the league against the same opponent is not good for us,” said Mutasa.

Mapeza was delighted with acquiring maximum points against Dynamos, confirming that he also wants to win the trophy.

“To be honest with you, everyone wants a good life. We will continue taking each game as it comes. Today’s objective was to collect maximum points and we did just that.

“I told Kelvin [Moyo] to also join the attack when we are taking corners and I am happy he was rewarded with a goal from the corner kick,” he said.

Dynamos started the duel looking comfortable on the ball, knitting purposeful passes in the final third.

After five minutes of action Valentine Ndaba chested the ball down in the box, but his final effort was wide off Petros Mhari’s goal.

Moments later a moment of brilliance by Walter Musona tilted the tide in favour of the miners as his shot at goal was pushed wide for a corner by Warriors shot-stopper Tatenda Mukuruva.

Rodwell Chinyengetere flighted the resultant corner kick, which was headed in by Moyo to give the miners an eight-minute lead.

Brett Amidu responded with some fancy footwork, releasing a well-positioned Denver Mukamba pass, but the latter’s tame effort at goal was easily saved by Mhari.

Musona capitalised on some hesitant defending by their visitors three minutes before halftime to double their advantage going into the breather.

After the breather, Dynamos came rejuvenated, but a goal remained elusive. Masimba Mambare came close, but was denied by Mhari.

Second half inclusion Dominic Mukandi tried from range, but his effort crashed against the woodwork five minutes from time.

Teams: FC Platinum; P Mhari, I Bello, I Nekati, E Moyo (W Sitima 73), K Moyo, W Mhango, G Takwara, R Chinyengetere, W Musona (M Mudehwe 90), T Rukanda (N Masuku 90), C Sibanda

Dynamos; T Mukuruva, G Murwira, O Mushure, O Mwerahari, E Muroiwa, T Chipunza (D Mukandi 45), B Amidu, T Sadiki, V Ndaba (W Mutasa 45), M Mambare, D Mukamba (T Macheke 64)