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Paul Mundandi in Zvishavane
FC Platinum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
Mutare City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(1) 1
A STUBBORN Mutare City came out of Mandava with a point after frustrating the hosts in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash here yesterday. The new boys, who ospened the scoring in the eight minute through an Agrippa Murimba penalty, are now unbeaten in their last four matches. The fine run also includes a 2-1 win at Highlanders and last weekend’s 3-all thriller with Tsholotsho at their beloved Sakubva Stadium.
The visitors started the match on an explosive note, bombarding the FC Platinum goal with confidence that made a mockery of their relegation candidate status. On eight minutes, the pressure yielded results with the home side’s defender Elvis Moyo handling under pressure. Murimba, signed from Harare City, made no mistake from the penalty spot.
The goal stung Norman Mapeza’s men out of their slumber but they found Mutare City goalie Victor Twaliki, a man who loves frustrating FC Platinum, in inspired form. Twaliki had the best years of his career at Shabanie Mine, Pure Platinum Play’s cross town rivals and yesterday, the veteran goalie reminded the hosts of the nightmares he used to cause them.
However, there is nothing that the goalie could do to stop Nqobizitha Masuku’s glancing header off a Rodwell Chinyengetere corner in the 28th minute. The second half was dominated by FC Platinum but poor shooting and some fine saves from Twaliki secured the visitors a valuable point on the road.FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza mourned over the penalty.
“I am confused by the rules of the game. At one point a referee told me that the hands must be straight but today I thought my player’s hands were straight but a penalty was awarded to Mutare City.“I am very disappointed, games are now difficult at Mandava, we are missing chances. Mutare City came here to sit back and we played the football,” said Mapeza.Mutare City gaffer Taku Shoriwa welcomed the point.
“When you play away you need to pick up points. If we can beat Bosso then anything can happen. FC Platinum were very fortunate to come out with a point. We always play for three points because we are fighting relegation,” he said.
Teams
FC Platinum:P Mhari,I Nekati,G Bello,E Moyo,K Moyo,W Mhango,R Chinyengetere,N Masuku(T Rukanda 86th ),C Sibanda(W Musona 76th ),M Kawashu,M Mudehwe
Mutare City:V Twaliki,M Sako,W Sithole(S Sibanda 60th ),S Muchabaya,C Ngondonga,V Madamombe,M Tapatapa,A Murimba,B Matsamanda,K Gurure
Online Reporter