adminThe nervy Harare match official, who seemed to be on a mission to frustrate the hosts from the onset, made a number of dubious decisions much to the disappointment of more than 2 000 fans who watched the encounter.
Buffaloes coach Saul Chaminuka, who also had a chance to field new signings Vincent Makaha and Saprine Muchabaya, had no kind words for Muchenje.
“I have never seen a referee spoil a good match like this. I normally do not want to talk about referees simply because I respect their office, but one cannot honestly remain silent when you witness such atrocious match officiating.
“I am happy with the way my players have performed. We played as a team, but I am really disappointed in the performance of the referee,” said Chaminuka.
The Mutare army side enjoyed the lion’s share of ball possession and were the first to find the net early in the 15th minute after midfielder Never Musvipa taped home in a goalmouth melee.
The Zvishavane side had a chance to restore parity when Ali Sadiki, who was impressive in the middle of the park, took a crack at goal when he found an opening inside the box to force a good save from Buffaloes goalkeeper Hope Bere 31 minutes into the game.
Makaha wasted the best chance of the afternoon when he received a fine delivery from Muchabaya in the 64th minute and came face to face with the keeper, but scrambled his effort.
However, the visitors came back for the second half playing a more purposeful game with some neat build-ups as they tried to frustrate the hosts.
And their prayers were answered in the 70th minute when former Motor Action player Allan Gahadzikwa capitalised on sloppy defending from Buffaloes and send a volley that gave Buffaloes goalkeeper Bere no chance. After levelling terms, FC Platinum increased the tempo and had their opponents on the backfoot, but goals continued to elude them.
FC Platinum coach Tendai Chikuni said his team failed to play its usual game because of the bumpy pitch. “We could have won this match only if the conditions were favourable especially the state of the pitch. I cannot really complain after getting an away draw,” he said.
Teams
Buffaloes: H Bere, D Chinowawa, K Thembani, M Waerera, T Ndlovu, P Matizanadzo, S Muchabaya, N Musvipa, P Thembani, L Katongomara, V Makaha (M Dumbura 87th minute):
FC Platinum: T Dube, D Veremu, Q Amin, S Shoko, N Togara, T Kamusoko, M Katsvairo (T Ndlovu), A Gahadzikwa, C Sibanda (D Ngoma 60th minute), A Sadiki, B Marere,
Online Reporter