FC Platinum bounce back

Onward Gangata in ZVISHAVANE

FC Platinum…………. (1) 2

CAPS United…………. (1) 1

THEY might be experiencing a topsy-turvy season but champions FC Platinum found their rhythm when they edged CAPS United in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie at Mandava yesterday.

The hosts even had the luxury of missing a glut of chances but an own goal by CAPS United defender Godknows Murwira, seven minutes into the match, and Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya’s second-half strike sealed their victory.

Midfielder Blessing Sarupinda’s 29th minute thunderous strike had drawn the CAPS United level in the opening half but they could not add further goals to their tally.

After slumping to a 1-1 draw against Bulawayo Chiefs, FC Platinum were under pressure to avoid another slip-up.

Yesterday’s victory leaves them sixth on the log standings on 34 points, eight behind overnight leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars, who edged Manica Diamonds 1-0 elsewhere at Baobab.

Despite winning, FC Platinum will, on reflecting, curse themselves for not inflicting heavy damage on the lethargic CAPS United defence that looked unsettled all afternoon.

Their coach Norman Mapeza feels his charges have to be more clinical in front of goal for them to have a consistent run in the final 12 matches.

“We are missing chances. We have to score goals. What can we do if we have to win matches? We have to score goals” said Mapeza.

“If you can’t score goals, how can you win matches and have that consistency?

“It was the same story last week; we created a lot of chances but still failed to score, so we have to work on our finishing.

“Otherwise, it was a good game of football. We created numerous chances and CAPS never came to our half often, so we just have to work on our finishing as we prepare for the next match,” Mapeza said.

For much of the afternoon, CAPS United lacked in both composure and compactness and by the third minute, they were nearly breached when Brian Banda’s long pass found Ngwenya. However, the young forward’s shot slightly missed the upright post.

Four minutes later, FC Platinum fortuitously surged ahead when Murwira turned the ball into his own goal in an attempt to clear a Jarrison Selemani corner.

CAPS United winger Ian Nyoni blew a golden opportunity to restore parity on 10 minutes, when he sent his effort wide from close range after he was set up by Phineas Bamusi.

Moments later, Joseph Thulani also sent his effort over the bar from inside the box.

Having weathered a barrage of attacks from FC Platinum, CAPS United drew level just before the half hour mark, via Sarupinda’s powerful strike from inside the box.

CAPS United had goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga to thank, as he kept them in the match with some pin-point saves, especially in the first half.

Mateyaunga’s resilience was, however, broken on the hour mark, when the Makepekepe defence failed to clear what appeared to be a routine clearance, allowing substitute Panashe Mutimbanyoka to set up Ngwenya, who tapped home in an empty net.

After taking the lead, FC Platinum resorted to managing the game, retaining large portions of possession and restricting the visitors to speculative attempts at goal.

Makepekepe coach Lloyd Chitembwe admitted that his defence was their weakest link, adding that they conceded goals from “criminal mistakes”.

“It was a game full of mistakes, the first half was very nervy for us. When you can’t control your nerves, it affects the general application,” said Chitembwe.

“We made some criminal mistakes, giving them some opportunities. These games are about who manages the nerves better.

“Our goalkeeper Tonde (Mateyaunga) kept us in the game with some good saves.”

CAPS United are now winless in seven straight league matches, as they sit 11th on the log with 26 points.

RESULTS:

Black Rhinos 1-1 Triangle

Chicken Inn 1-1 Bulawayo Chiefs

FC Platinum 2-1 CAPS United

Greenfuel 1-0 Sheasham

Ngezi Platinum 1-0 Manica Diamonds

ZPC Kariba 1-0 Herentals

FIXTURES:

Dynamos v Highlanders (Barbour-