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Paul Mundani in Zvishavane
FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Highlanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)1
A sucker punch by Knox Mutizwa saw Highlanders pulling through to the semi-finals of the Easycall Cup after edging out FC Platinum at Mandava yesterday. Mutizwa scored the priceless goal in added time when he beat FC Platinum’s goalminder Petros Mhari from an Obadiah Tarumbwa’s cross to send Bosso in the last four of $433 000 soccer tournament.Highlanders have been struggling this whole season and their performance yesterday might bring smiles on the faces of their die hard fans if they win the Cup.
And Mutizwa was just over the moon after grabbing the last-gasp winner for his side. “I thank God for scoring. He has been helping me all the time. It’s good for the Highlanders family and I am thrilled to have scored this all important goal,” said Mutizwa.
Ian Nekati reacted a shade to slow when he could have easily played the ball into touch as both teams were heading for a penalty shoot-out but his slow reaction contributed to the goal. FC Platinum missed a number of chances and as in most cases Marshall Mudehwe, who kept the Bosso defenders on their toes in this match, failed to find the target, directing most of his efforts wide.
Zambian Obrey Chirwa and regular scorer Brian Muzondiwa also fired blanks yesterday and had they been in good form, the home side could have won this match comfortably. Mhari was also a stumbling block to Nqobizitha Maenzanise’s effort in the 38th minute and made a double save in the 64th minute to deny Mutizwa a goal.
Eric Mudzingwa was also at Bosso’s rescue when he cleared an effort by Chirwa from the line with goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda at the wrong side of the action in the 82nd minute. Bosso fans, however, at one point threw missiles into the pitch when referee Norman Musundire had awarded the home side a free-kick at the centre circle. Cosmas “Tsano” Zulu, the Bosso coach, was excited after his side registered victory over FC Platinum.
“I am excited. FC Platinum are the best club in Zimbabwe at the moment. They play (some) good football and the match today reminds me of 1986 when I was a coach at Highlanders. “That was the last time I watched some good football and FC Platinum should keep it up. My aim is to reach the cup final and lift the trophy,” said Zulu. FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza conceded defeat, adding that they gave Bosso a soft goal.
“We were all over Highlanders, especially in the second half. We gave them a soft goal but the honest truth is that I am very impressed by my players. I also applaud our fans for their support and when decisions were against us they never threw missiles into the pitch.
“They (his FC Platinum players) are playing some exciting football and everybody was there to see it. I am not even disappointed by my boys although we would have loved to proceed to the next round. I, however, wish Highlanders all the best in this tournament,” said Mapeza after the match.
Teams
FC Platinum: P Mhari,G Bello,I Nekati,K Moyo,E Moyo,W Mhango,G Takwara,T Dzumbunu (W Kamudyariwa 58th minute),T Mudehwe, B Muzondiwa, O Chirwa.
Highlanders: A Sibanda,R Kutsanzira,O Tarumbwa,B Kangwa,N Masuku, K Mtizwa,F Chindungwe,D Sibanda,E Mudzingwa,V Ndaba (S Munawa 59th minute), P Muduhwa
Online Reporter