ZPC Kariba and FC Platinum played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in a thrilling encounter at Nyamhunga Stadium
A 15th-minute strike from Moses Demera gave the home side, ZPC Kariba, an early lead, but FC Platinum fought back in the second half to earn a point, with Jarrison Selemani netting the equaliser.
The match started brightly, with both teams eager to create chances. ZPC Kariba drew first blood when Demera emphatically headed in a loose ball delivered by Collin Muleya.
Buoyed by the goal, Kariba controlled the midfield for much of the first half.
Despite the composed defence of FC Platinum, marshalled by Mbongeni Ndlovu, the visitors struggled to make their attacking opportunities count. Their closest chance came from Hagiazo Magaya, whose shot was comfortably dealt with by Kariba goalkeeper Tatenda Munditi.
Kariba continued to look the more dominant side after the break, with Fanuel Shoko proving a constant threat down the right flank. However, FC Platinum's persistence finally paid off in the 61st minute.
Selemani levelled the score, showcasing great individual skill by dribbling past the Kariba defence before slotting the ball home for the equaliser.
Despite both teams pushing hard for a winner in the final stages, the match ultimately ended in a stalemate.
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After the final whistle, ZPC Kariba head coach Newton Chitewe expressed satisfaction with his side's effort, though he lamented missed opportunities.
"It was a good game, and we played very well today," Chitewe said. "In the first half, we should have finished them off because we had more chances than them. In the second half, we also did well, but most of the chances got wasted."
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza admitted that his team struggled early on, but found their footing later in the match.
"ZPC Kariba were the better team in the first half, but in the second half, we looked much better,” Mapeza said. “I think we could have done better."
