adminPaul Mundandi Zvishavane Correspondent
FC Platinum 3-2 Triangle United
FC Platinum showed character when they came from a goal down to collect maximum points in a five-goal thriller that drew a bumper crowd at Mandava Stadium yesterday.
FC Platinum shot into the lead through Zambian international Obrey Chirwa in the 10th minute when he met with a header from a Raphael Muduviwa corner kick from the right and beat Triangle United’s goalkeeper Ronald Mudimu all systems out.
Hilary Bakacheza cancelled the miners’ lead six minutes later when he dribbled past the entire FC Platinum’s defence and coolly slotted the ball past an exposed goalkeeper Francis Tizayi.
The visitors then got a second goal in the 36th minute through Lameck Nhamo to ensure that they go into the break leading 2-1. He had been fed the ball by Pasca Manhanga.
However, it was a soft goal as the platinum miners could have done better to clear the ball from danger but seasoned defender Gift Bello and Muduviwa failed to deal with Nhamo.
A 46th minute own goal by Jimmy Tigere brought FC Platinum into the game.Muduviwa broke loose on the right a minute after restart and sent a cross into the box that saw Tigere hitting his own goalkeeper in a bid to clear.
A timely substitution by coach Norman Mapeza in the 48th minute when he introduced Donald Ngoma for Brian Muzondiwa played a part in FC Platinum’s victory.
Ngoma who had played for 19 minutes shook his marker on the right and released a scorcher that Mudimu only managed to retrieve from the back of the nets. That was all the miners needed to collect maximum points.
Triangle United who displayed some enterprising football were unlucky as Nhamo won possession on the half-hour mark, made his way past FC Platinum defenders but shot wide with Tizayi at his mercy.
Triangle United had a solid display but FC Platinum absorbed pressure and showed a lot of character.
Ngoma could have scored a brace but saw his effort off a Walter Musona cross saved by Mudimu.
FC Platinum’s second half substitutes Aaron Katebe and Winston Mhango also played a bigger part in thwarting the marauding Triangle United team which had Zambian international Sakala Makundika, Hardlife Muvundi and Bakacheza causing all sorts of problems.
“We made life difficult for ourselves when we gave away two soft goals. We showed great character.
“We still have a long season and need to continue working hard,” said FC Platinum coach Mapeza.
His counterpart Kelvin Kaindu was impressed with his team’s performance despite losing.
“Both sides put a good fight. We played well; a passing game and we lost the game when we let FC Platinum get the second goal. I appreciate the performance and everyone is playing well that’s why I have a smile at the end of the game,” said Kaindu.
Bongani Moyo
Online Reporter