Pure Platinum comeback!

Sport
CHAMPIONS FC Platinum needed a spectacular Never Tigere free kick deep into stoppage time to complete a late comeback to end rivals Ngezi Platinum's 31-match unbeaten home run and to move to the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League log in a dramatic top-of-the-table Platinum derby at Baobab yesterday.

CHAMPIONS FC Platinum needed a spectacular Never Tigere free kick deep into stoppage time to complete a late comeback to end rivals Ngezi Platinum’s 31-match unbeaten home run and to move to the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League log in a dramatic top-of-the-table Platinum derby at Baobab yesterday.

By Munyaradzi Madzokere Ngezi Platinum………..(1)1 FC Platinum………… (0)2

The hosts led 1-0 going into the 88th minute before FC Platinum drew level through a Winston Mhango penalty.

It was not the best of performances by referee Norman Matemera, who made a number of questionable decisions.

It seemed like poetic justice for FC Platinum who had a genuine penalty shout ignored and found themselves behind with a highly contentious Donald Teguru goal four minutes before half-time.

“After we conceded the first goal I could tell that the players had been affected. I had to go into the pitch to calm them down. At half-time I said we are doing well, let’s keep knocking the ball around,” said an elated Norman Mapeza.

“We came here to get three points and it was never about breaking the Ngezi record.

“If we had managed to pick up a point here, I was going to go home very happy.”

It was an evenly balanced affair earlier on with the two teams taking a cautious approach.

FC Platinum had a penalty shout waved away by referee Matemera when it appeared like midfielder Rahman Kutsanzira had been felled in the box soon after the hour-mark. Then came the controversial goal, with Teguru who seemed to have a slightly unfair advantage breaking free to a Mushonga through ball on the far side to chip it over Petros Mhari.

FC Platinum players mobbed the referee protesting that Teguru was in an offside position when he received the pass.

A five-minute stoppage ensued until Mapeza rushed into the field to calm his players.

Rodwell Chinyengetere had a brilliant opportunity to level the score on the stroke of half time but Murwira made an outstanding block to thwart him.

Chinyengetere raced through on goal early in the second half and decided to throw himself on the ground in search of a penalty. Matemera was not convinced.

Mhari made a smart save to deny Nguluve in the 63rd minute while Teguru, with just the goalkeeper to beat missed moments later.

FC Platinum pushed forward for an equaliser, but could not fashion clearcut opportunities.

However, they got a lifeline after they were awarded a penalty two minutes before the end after Frank Mukarati hacked down Soccer Star of the Year Chinyengetere. Mhango sent the ball into the roof of the net to level the score.

With the match petering into a draw, Ngezi captain Liberty Chakoroma conceded a soft free kick on the far side after minimum contact on Chinyengetere.

Up stepped substitute Tigere to loop it in at the far post beyond the reach of debutant goalkeeper Tatenda Munditi.

It was Ngezi’s second defeat in a row and their first at home since August 2016.

“Very disappointing result. I thought we had done enough to get the three points. But due to a lapse of concentration we conceded a silly penalty. Of course the freak goal, it happens in football. I thought our boy Munditi was not alert as he didn’t anticipate such a shot.

“It’s a case of experience, but I give credit to Tigere for such a wonder goal,” said Ngezi coach Tonderayi Ndiraya after the match.

Teams:

Ngezi Platinum: T Munditi, K Bulaji, K Chakoroma, K Murera, J Nguluve, D Teguru (M Charamba (68′), G Murwira, W Mukanga, M Mushonga, F Makarati, T Chipunza FC Platinum: P Mhari, R Muduviwa, G Bello, E. Moyo, W Mhango, R Chinyengetere, F Madhanhanga, R Kutsanzira (G Meeting 78′), M Dube (N Tigere 60′), A Sadiki Results and Fixtures

Yesterday: CAPS United 1-0 Bulawayo City, ZPC Kariba 0-0 Harare City, Nichrut 0-1 Triangle United, Chicken Inn 2-0 Herentals, Ngezi Platinum Stars 1-2 FC Platinum Today: Mutare City Rovers v Dynamos (Vengere), Shabanie Mine v Black Rhinos (Maglas), Highlanders v Bulawayo Chiefs (Barbourfields), Yadah FC v Chapungu (National Sports Stadium)