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Ngqabutho Moyo Sports Reporter
Bantu Rovers 1-1 FC Platinum
FC PLATINUM had their captain Aaron Katebe to thank for their draw against a determined Bantu Rovers side yesterday.
The first of a double header at Luveve Stadium, the visitors had looked down and out until the Zambian tapped in from a goalmouth melee.
Bantu Rovers had been shot into the lead by Nqobizitha Masuku in the 56th minute.
“We did not do so well because we did not get maximum points from the game, but I am happy we managed to get a goal that got us a draw in the second half,” said visiting coach Lloyd Mutasa.
It was the hosts Bantu Rovers who shot into the lead on 56 minutes after Masuku came to the end of a cross from Bukhosi Sibanda.
Bantu could have scored at least twice in the first half with a blazing shot from Obidiah Tarumbwa with the experienced forward’s shot hitting the woodwork in the 28th minute and a second attempt which he missed after coming face to face with the substitute goalkeeper Talbert Shumba in the 39th minute.
Shumba had replaced Petros Mhari in the 26th minute.
Mitchelle Katsvairo missed a chance in the penalty box in the 47th minute.
Bantu were punished for those glaring misses by Tarumbwa as centreback Katebe scored an equaliser in the 81st minute.
The Zambian international scored from a goalmouth scramble after Bantu goalie Takunda Mutanga and his defenders dealt badly with an FC Platinum attack.
After the equaliser the visitors upped the tempo and laid siege on the Bantu Rovers goal but they failed to translate their ball possession into goals.
At the other end, the hosts looked dangerous every time they attacked on the break but recently-signed Dalubuhle Moraka who came in for former Highlanders and Warriors player Johannes Ngodzo, Tarumbwa and Sibanda failed to find the winner.
Hosts’ coach Methembe Ndlovu said that he was disappointed with the result.
“I am disappointed with the result. It’s obvious that I am not doing enough to get a win. Today was an opportunity lost, but there is still hope for us,” said Ndlovu.
Teams
Bantu Rovers: Takunda Mutanga, Benson Phiri, Master Mlangeni, Teenage Hadebe, Johannes Ngodzo (Dalubuhle Moraka 55th minute), Bongani Sikwila, Nqobizitha Masuku, Tafadzwa Kutinyu, Obidiah Tarumbwa, Moses Majika, Bukhosi Sibanda
FC Platinum: Petros Mhari (Talbert Shumba 26th minute), Gift Bello, James Marufu, Ashley Mukwena, Elvis Moyo, Wisdom Mutasa, Walter Musona (Raymond Sibanda 62nd minute), Michelle Katsvairo, Aaron Katebe, Benjamin Marere, Allen Gahadzikwa (Thabani Kamusoko 72nd minute)
Online Reporter