TELONE FC....................(0)
FC PLATINUM...............(0)
FC Platinum coach Joel Luphahla was left disappointed after his side settled for a drab 0-0 draw with TelOne FC in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at Ascot Stadium yesterday.
The encounter ended goalless, but Luphahla was frustrated, saying one point is not enough when playing a team of TelOne’s stature.
"To be honest, one point does not help us,” he said.
“We are in a position where we must be winning these kinds of games.
“But I am eager to get my new signings on the pitch. Once they are integrated, I believe we will see a different FC Platinum. A draw is not good enough for us."
The match only came alive in the second half after a largely drab first half. Left-back Allan Chapinduka came close to scoring with a rasping left footer from range, which goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi could only palm away.
- TelOne edge FC Platinum
- TelOne, FC Platinum share spoils
Keep Reading
A minute later, FC Platinum turned on the screws on the counter. Divine Mhindirira burst down the wing and forced a goal-line save from Takudzwa Chikosi.
TelOne FC introduced veteran Silas Songani and Bruno Mtigo, adding more firepower, especially with the wind now in their favour.
But that did not instantly produce results. It was not until the 60th minute that Songani burst down the wing and picked out Jerry Chipangura, who was too slow to react, allowing FC Platinum to recover.
Additionally, on two occasions goalkeeper Takudzwa Chikosi was forced into goal-line saves as Mhindirira and Mcebisi Moyo dismantled the TelOne FC defence. First, Chikosi repelled Mhindirira’s shot from outside the box before palming out Moyo’s effort on the rebound.
Right at the death, Silas Songani broke loose on the wing, weaved past two FC Platinum players before finding Bruno Mtigo, who failed to convert a simple tap-in, much to the anger of TelOne’s faithful.
TelOne coach Saul Chaminuka said his main concern was their poor conversion rate, especially at home.
"We are working hard to sharpen the team,” Chaminuka said.
“The problem has been putting away the chances. But I’m confident we will soon start scoring many goals and rise from the ashes to collect more points.”
Results
Hunters 0-3 Scottland
Bulawayo Chiefs 1-0 MWOS
Telone 0-0 FC Platinum
Ngezi Platinum 3-2 Chicken Inn
