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Ray Bande in Mutare
Manica Diamods 1-0 FC Platinum
HARARE-based referee Patrick Kalota must have been the most disappointed man after Manica Diamonds, the team he frustrated all afternoon, scored the only goal in the last minute of yesterday’s Castle Lager Premiership match against FC Platinum at Sakubva Stadium.
Kalota’s controversial decisions did not deter the Gem Boys from not only securing their fifth straight win but their first ever victory over the platinum miners since joining the top flight league two seasons ago.In terms of the two teams’ performance on the pitch, the match failed to live up to its billing as both teams struggled to string more than three passes for the greater part of the encounter.
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza was forced to make an injury inspired substitution when Lindelwe Ndlovu was involved in a nasty tussle for possession with Tawanda Chisi and the former sustained a head injury that resulted in him being stretchered of the pitch in the 13th minute.Kevin Mangiza replaced him.
Manica Diamonds could have surged ahead in the 39th minute, but Kalota denied the home team what appeared to be a clear penalty to many neutrals.In that incident, goal bound Fortune Binzi, with the ball firmly under control as he got into the box, was hacked down by FC Platinum midfilder Rainsome Pavari and Kalota waved play on much to the chagrin of home team supporters.
The same happened in the 83rd minute when FC Platinum defender Lawrence Mhlanga appeared to clearly handle in the box while trying to clear the ball.Lady Luck finally smiled on the home team three minutes into added time when exciting second half super substitute Micheal Tapera blasted a hard and low shot off a rebound after a corner kick to give Manica Diamonds the lead and only goal of the encounter.
However, it is the result that must have left Manica Diamonds coach Jairos Tapera opting not to complain about the match official’s performance.Instead, Tapera chose to thank his players for a job well done.
Teams
Manica Diamonds: Godfrey Chitsumba; Lawrence Masibera; Farai Banda; Tawanda Chisi; Thubelihle Jabulani; Jefrey Takunda; Amidu Bret (Panashe Mutasa, 78th minute); Gerald Bhero (Charlse Teguru, 46th minute); Tawanda Macheke (Micheal Macheke, 46th minute); Enoch Karembo; Fortune Binzi (Kudzanai Dhemere, 78th minute):
FC Platinum: Wallace Magalane; Felix Moyo; Lindelwe Mbongeni (Kevin Manguza, 16th minute); Lawrence Mhlanga; Ransome Pavari; Desire Magaya; Brian Banda; Juan Mutudza (Brighton Mavhire, 90th minute); Panashe Mutimbanyoka; Oscar Bhebhe; Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya (Wilfred Muvirimi, 65th minute):
Online Reporter