FC PLATINUM...............(0)1
GREEN FUEL.................(0)1
CHAMPIONS FC Platinum’s title defence continue to suffer setbacks after they dropped points again in a home draw with league debutants Green Fuel yesterday.
FC Platinum moved into second place in spite of the result, ceding the advantage to title-chasing rivals Dynamos and Highlanders as well as leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars.
The four-time PSL Champions suffered shock defeats to relegation-threatened teams, ZPC Kariba and Black Rhinos in their last two outings.
And in this one, they badly needed to bounce back to winning ways against an equally struggling Green Fuel.
But it was not to be as they wasted multiple chances, which could have helped them collect maximum points.
Perfect Chikwende scored FC Platinum's goal while former Shabanie Mine forward Collins Dhuwa grabbed the equalizer for Green Fuel.
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And FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza was disappointed by the result, which sees them eight points behind leaders Ngezi Platinum, who host Yadah FC this afternoon.
"We had chances, but failed to convert. I think we could have done better but there is still a lot of work so that we end the season on a high note," Mapeza said.
"The result is positive, especially considering that we are coming from two defeats.
"We now go back and work hoping the one week between our next match will be helpful in us recovering."
His counterpart Rodwell Dhlakama was happy his men avoided defeat.
"I'm happy with the point because we were playing away from home. We played well. We defended well but our weakness was in the final third," Dhlakama said.
"We play to score but if we are not managing that, then it means there is a lot of work to be done."
Although they were limping from two consecutive defeats, FC Platinum started on a brighter note with Gift Mbweti coming near in the tenth minute.
They got a free-kick in a good position, just outside the box but Jarrison Selemani saw his powerful strike hit the upright, with goalkeeper David Bizabani rooted to one spot
They went to the break deadlocked and they kept the same impetus when play resumed, though FC Platinum had an upperhand.
And they rightly got the opening goal through Chikwende, who paced past two defenders before darting the ball beyond the diving goalkeeper, Bizabani.
But the lead was short-lived as Green Fuel restored parity through Dhuwa from an organised counter attack that caught goalie Wallace Magalane off guard.
Teams
FC PLATINUM: W Magalane, G Mbweti, G Bello, N Chinyerere, K Mangiza, H Magaya(I Mucheneka 77'), J Mutudza, B Banda, J Selemani, W Musona, P Chikwende( O Bhebhe 89')
GREEN FUEL: D Bizabani, R Uchena, T Goba, R Chinemo(R Sibanda 87'), W Munorwei, T Mutyambizi, T Pfende( M Phiri 60), C Dhuwa( B Sibanda 81), J Nguluve, N Ndlovu, W Mapuwa
Today's Fixtures
Manica Diamonds v Hwange (Gibbo), Zpc Kariba v Dynamos (Nyamhunga), Bulawayo Chiefs v Highlanders (Barbourfields), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Yadah (Baobab), Caps United v Cranborne Bullets (National Sports Stadium).
