FC Platinum claw back to deny Arenel Movers full points

Nkosilathi Sibanda

Arenel Movers 2-2 FC Platinum

FORMER Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions FC Platinum were forced to dig deep into their tank in the second half to salvage a point against new boys, Arenel Movers at Luveve Stadium yesterday afternoon.

Norman Mapeza’s men were made to toil for their point in a game they were seemingly on the back-foot. However, they showed what champions are made of in the second stanza of the game.

Arenel Movers were the first to hit the back of the net through a Chripen Machisi curler in the 18th minute. They doubled their lead minutes before the break as Toto Banda pounced on a rebound and found the back of the net.

The Platinum Miners’ response came in the 80th and 82nd minutes off the boots of Jarrison Selemani and Panashe Mutimbanyoka.

Selemani scored a brilliant free-kick before Mutimbanyoka levelled matters and made sure they return with a point with a long range shot which left Aaron Ngwenya dumbfounded.

Arenel’s move to sit back and defend the lead came back to haunt them as FC Platinum got their act together to salvage a point from what seemed to be a loss.

Mapeza was a happy man at full time while for the hosts it was two valuable points dropped.

“That final pass in the last third confirmed that we need to improve our decision making in the final third as they scored their first goal through a counter attack. The second goal was the same scenario as we were in their half and through another counter attack we conceded. We therefore need to work on those situations.

“It was very clear from the onset that they were going to sit back but at the end of the day it’s all about players understanding the situation, it’s not about us shouting every time, they should be able to understand situations, they should be able to read the situation so that they can solve it on the pitch, they can’t wait for me but look, it was a good come back with two quality goals,” said Mapeza.

Despite conceding two late goals, Arenel coach Farai Tawachera was pleased with the way his charges played, saying that their game plan worked well.

“We knew pound for pound we wouldn’t match them but we played to our strength. We need to be tactical when we are playing teams like this, you just don’t run around, yes, supporters may want to see people running all over the show but I as the coach, I have to come with a game plan to play FC Platinum. It’s not easy and standing here, I want to applaud my boys very much,” said Tawachera.

Teams:

Arenel Movers:

Aaron Ngwenya (gk), Kudzaishe Dzingwe, Brian Gijimani, Authur Ndlovu, Moses Jackson, Grant Chingwenhese, Brian Jaravaza, Zibusiso Dambo, Toto Banda (Grey Kufandada, 68mins), Chrispen Machisi, Brion Ngwenya.

FC Platinum:

Wallace Magalane (gk), Kelvin Mangiza (Shepherd Mhlanga, 46mins), Mbongeni Ndlovu, Lawrence Mhlanga, Rainsome Pavari, Brian Banda, Juan Mutudza, Davison Marowa (Jarrison Selemani,46mins)., Oscar Bhebhe, Panashe Mutimbanyoka, Wilfred Muvirimi (Brian Kusinyeri, 68mins).

PSL Week 6 Results at a glance

Yesterday

Arenel Movers 2-2 FC Platinum; CAPS Utd 1-1 ZPC Kariba; Chegutu Pirates 2-1 Hwange; Simba Bhora 1-0 Dynamos; TelOne 2-3 Yadah

Saturday

Bikita Minerals 2-0 Bulawayo Chiefs; Chicken Inn 2-0 Greenfuel; Herentals 1-2 Manica Diamonds; Ngezi Platinum 1-1 Highlanders

Latest Standings

P W D L F A Pts

Highlanders 6 4 2 0 10 3 14

Simba Bhora 6 4 1 1 9 5 13

FC Platinum* 5 3 2 0 8 4 11

Chicken Inn 6 2 3 1 5 3 9

Byo Chiefs 6 2 2 2 7 6 8