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Paul Mundandi in Zvishavane
FC Platinum …………………………………..… (1)1
Chicken Inn ……………………………………… (0)1
FC PLATINUM kept their chances of lifting their first ever league title alive when they managed to settle for a draw against defending champions Chicken Inn in a thriller at Mandava yesterday. The hosts should, however, blame themselves for allowing the visitors to have a share of the spoils in a match they seemingly was under their control. FC Platinum got their important goal through Walter Musona in the 34th minute with Chicken Inn getting the equaliser in the 88th minute through the boot of young Nicholas Muchadeyi.
The result means FC Platinum will maintain a three point lead ahead of Caps United who beat Mutare City at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
The Gamecocks dependable goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze made a costly blunder when he received a back pass, dribbled past Musona, when he tried to clear, the effort was intercepted by the alert midfielder Nqobizitha Masuku.
Masuku found a thankfully Musona who slotted the ball into the nets. The home side made a lot of inroads when in attack but found the Chicken Inn defence unyielding.
However, the FC Platinum world crumbled in the second half. With just two minutes to go and complacency seemingly creeping into their game, the Gamecocks started ruling the roost.
Moses Demera then got a pass from Clemence Matawu, who fed super substitute Muchadeyi whose first time bloodied shot gave impressive goalkeeper Petros Mhari no chance.
“It is disappointing. I am, however, happy with the point. The guys worked so hard,” said coach Norman Mapeza for the home side.
Chicken Inn’s Rahman Gumbo was on cloud nine.
“They were lucky to escape with a point. They never threatened us and they were just fortunate that my goalkeeper made a silly mistake and gifted them with a goal. I am happy that I am doing my job well at Chicken Inn and my youngsters are so impressive. Last week another youngster played a blinder and all I can say I am building a team,” said Gumbo.
Teams
FC Platinum: P Mhari, I Nekati, G Bello, E Moyo, K Moyo, W Mhango, R Chinyengetere, N Masuku, C Sibanda, T Rukanda(M Mudehwe76th ), W Musona
Chicken Inn: E Chipezeze, P Benard, D Lunga, G Goddard, D Nyandoro (N Muchadeyi 46th ), P Tafirenyika ( C Nkomo 46th), T Goredema, M Jackson, C Matawu, L Mhlanga, T Kutinyu.
derick.khumalo