FC PLATINUM.........(0)
TELONE FC...............(1)
In a closely contested Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match, TelOne FC kept their winning streak, with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Midlands rivals, FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium yesterday
Panashe Mutasa's 18th minute header, courtesy of Washington Navaya's pinpoint delivery, proved to be the match-winner as TelOne FC held on for dear life to secure maximum points.
The Norman Mapeza-coached FC Platinum started the match on the front foot, pouring forward with their trademark high-intensity football.
However, it was TelOne FC, who struck gold when Panashe Mutasa rose above the rest to head home the opener.
Despite FC Platinum's valiant efforts to stage a comeback in the dying minutes of the first half, TelOne FC's resolute defense held firm.
The Gweru-based side's solidity at the back was the difference-maker, as they thwarted FC Platinum's attacks with ease. Oscar Bhebhe, in particular, was a thorn in the flesh for TelOne but they remained resolute.
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The win sees TelOne FC move closer to a top-four finish, boasting 52 points from their league matches.
Meanwhile, FC Platinum's point drought continues, with the team slipping to sixth position with 46 points.
Having managed wins in their last three matches against Yadah, Kwekwe United, and FC Platinum, coach Herbert Maruwa is on cloud nine.
"These are the results of hard work. We have been putting in the shifts at training and the results are coming,” Maruwa said.
At least now we have managed to win three games on the trot. Our goal remains that we want to finish the season in the top-four. We have to work for it.”
It remains to be seen if FC Platinum can turn their fortunes around in the season's homestretch. But Norman Mapeza is hopeful despite the setback.
"It's unfortunate that we did not manage to score from the chance we created. We did everything but they defended well,” Mapeza said.
“ We have to focus on our last game and hope that we can manage to rise and collect the points so that we can end the season on a high note.”
