admin
Oscar Rusenga, in TRIANGLE
Manica Diamonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 2
JUAN Mutudza’s brace earned Norman Mapeza’s FC Platinum maximum points in their mid-week fixture away to Manica Diamonds in the Castle Lager Premiership match at Gibbo yesterday.
It was Mutudza’s third goal in two matches after scoring in their home win against Herentals last week. His brace at Gibbo yesterday means he is now on six goals in the league and eight in total having netted two in the Chibuku Super Cup.
Manica Diamonds too the lead when a good cross from Lawrence Masibera was helped over the line by Bret Amidu.
Goal scorer Amidu got another good chance to double his tally and his team’s lead in the 38th minute but FC Platinum goalkeeper Wallace Magalane kept his team in the game with a smart save as he pushed the ball out for a corner.
Despite being a goal down FC Platinum played their usual game as they were patient in their build up. They enjoyed possession but could not penetrate the Manica defense as their strikers were bullied by Tawanda Chisi and Kelvin Gwao.
FC Platinum eventually got on the scoresheet in referee’s first half optional time after some individual brilliance from Brian Banda who eliminated his markers with some quick one-twos before feeding Mutudza whose thunderbolt gave Manica Diamonds goalkeeper Tedious Baye no chance as the two side went for the halftime breather tied.
Gem Boys pint sized winger Gerald Bhero got a chance to give his side an early second half lead after a mistake by Magalane who gave the ball away and out of position.
The home side were left to rue their missed chances as Mutudza punished them capitalizing from the half chances created as he completed his brace with a marvelous headed effort after a good cross from Nomore Chinyerere in the 77th minute to silence the few home fans.
Mapeza was a happy man after full-time whistle as his charges collected maximum points ahead of another crunch match on Saturday against log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars at Mandava.
“We were in control of everything, we conceded early against run of play but we managed to equalize before halftime.
We played some good football today, we managed to brush aside what happened last Saturday when we lost against Dynamos. We really needed these points, especially this game and our focus is now on Ngezi at home” said Mapeza.
Manica Diamonds assistant coach Tafadzwa Mashiri was devastated with the
way his charges executed themselves considering the chances they created.
“It was a very competitive match, we had a very good first half and we took an early lead but it’s worrying that we have failed to protect our lead for two matches in a row.
“We have lost two in a row after taking a lead and we need to correct that, it’s game on against Chicken Inn, we need to think ahead, try to rise up from this disappointment,” said Mashiri.
Online Reporter