Chronicle Editor
Fungai Muderere in Zvishavane
FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2) 2
Chicken Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
TWO quick first half goals by FC Platinum were enough to condemn Chicken Inn to their first defeat of the season in an exciting Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie that was played at Mandava Stadium yesterday.
Ex-Gamecocks midfielder Innocent Mucheneka thrust the hosts into the lead in the 15th minute before Donald Teguru scored the second goal 10 minutes later.
Hard running Brian Muza found the equaliser for Gamecocks right on the stroke of halftime. Muza rose airborne to nod home a Munashe Pini inviting cross.
In the second stanza it was a balanced affair and Gamecocks gaffer Joey Antipas conceded that they gave the platinum miners an early Christmas present.
“We conceded two silly goals and we got punished for that. We could have forced a draw but it didn’t happen. We created a lot of chances but we did not bury them. As such, we gave FC Platinum an early Christmas present,” said Antipas.
FC Platinum head coach Norman Mapeza was over the moon.
“This was a big win for us against a strong Chicken Inn side. It was really an exciting match but it unfortunate that we were forced to make two injury inspired substitutions early into the match. The win is a big confidence boaster for us ahead of our Chibuku Super Cup final match against Ngezi Platinum Stars,” said Mapeza.
Pure Platinum Play were compelled to pull out Kelvin Mangiza and Lawrence Mhlanga in the first 20 minutes after the two defenders picked up injuries.
Teams
FC Platinum: P Mhari, R Kutsanzira, L Mhlanga(Mbweti 20 mins), K Mangiza (Dzinyai 8mins), R Pavari, I Mucheneka, D Teguru, T Ngwenya (Chinyengetere 76mins)P Mutimbanyoka, B Banda, K Madzongwe
Chicken Inn: D Bernard, G Goddard ( Chinda 73mins) B Muza, N Ketala, M Jackson, P Bernard, X Ndlovu, B Amidu ( Charamba 46 mins) O Chirinda, M Pini (Gaki 76 mins), S Mhlanga — @FungaiMuderere
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