BY TERRY MADYAUTA
FC Platinum………………. (1) 2 ZPC Kariba………………… (0) 0
DEFENDING champions FC Platinum finally returned to winning ways after finding the going tough in their previous two games, following a hard-earned 2-0 win over ZPC Kariba in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Mandava Stadium yesterday.
The win lifted the platinum miners to the top of the log standings.
Goals from Rahman Kutsanzira and Devon Chafa either side of the half ensured FC Platinum ending a barren spell, which had threatened to derail their campaign after being held by Herentals before losing to newcomers TelOne.
Kutsanzira thrust the miners ahead with a calm finish from inside the box in the 13th minute. FC Platinum could have scored more goals before half-time, but their forwards squandered numerous chances that came their way.
While all the neutrals wanted ZPC Kariba to win, including Chicken Inn gaffer Joey Antipas who was part of the crowd at Mandava, fate decided otherwise.
ZPC Kariba conceded a penalty moments before the final whistle after James Marufu brought down Kutsanzira in the box.
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Though the penalty was heavily disputed by the visitors, Chafa stepped up and made no mistake to send goalkeeper Takabva Mawaya the wrong way.
FC PLatinum coach Norman Mapeza heaved a sigh of relief after the match.
“It was a massive display for us in the first half and I am happy we managed to collect maximum points at home,” Mapeza said.
“I am surprised that people say we must not lose, but in this industry we are bound to lose and we are lucky to have rediscovered the winning formula early.”
ZPC Kariba coach Godfrey Tamirepi was fuming after the match, accusing FC Platinum of employing dirty tactics.
“They used dirty tactics in this game and it’s so disappointing,” Tamirepi said.
“Winning has become so important that a team employs unfair antics that are not professional and against fair play.
“I agree they scored a good goal in the first half because of our sloppy defending, but having been the dominant side in the second half, I felt that we must have got one or two goals had it not been of the numerous dirty tactics.
“They frustrated us from the moment we got here and surely it was never going to be a good day for us today.”
Teams
FC Platinum: P Mhari, R Muduviwa, G Bello, E Moyo, K Moyo, K Madzongwe, N Tigere (F Madhanhanga 66’), D Chafa, R Kutsanzira, A Sadiki, M Dube. ZPC Kariba: T Mawaya, S Appiah, J Marufu, D Phiri, I Nekati, B Zuberi, B Juru (T Chiunye 71’), T Chamboko, T Nyamandwe, F Chirinda (G Gwara 46’), T Ranthokoane (S Gorogodyo 75’).
