adminPaul Mundandi Zvishavane Correspondent
FC Platinum 0-0 ZPC Kariba
FC PLATINUM were unlucky not to collect maximum points against ZPC Kariba in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Mandava Stadium yesterday.
Although the match produced no goals, both teams played good football.
FC Platinum, who are challenging for the championship, beat ZPC Kariba 3-0 in the corresponding fixture at Nyamhunga Stadium, but yesterday the Sunday Chidzambwa coached team was a different outfit.
ZPC Kariba goalkeeper Tendai Hove and his FC Platinum counterpart Petros Mhari were the stumbling blocks for both sets of strikers as they guarded their posts well.
Hove denied Brian Muzondiwa in the 19th minute when he went airborne to tip the ball out for a corner.
Five minutes later, the visitors had the ball in the back of the nets, but their effort was ruled out for offside.
After the breather Muzondiwa beat Thomas Sweswe on the right in the 52nd minute and crossed the ball into the area, which eluded the visitors’ defence, but there was no taker for the home side.
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza was satisfied with the draw.
“I’m happy with the draw because ZPC Kariba is a very good team. I’m proud of my boys, they played well,” said Mapeza.
“We played better football today as compared to all the games we’ve played so far, and at times we were rushing things and could’ve scored in the first 30 seconds. It was difficult for them after playing a difficult game against Highlanders on Thursday. They fought well and the good news is some teams who are in the race also drew.
“Injuries played a role also in our performance and to be honest, as a coach I missed Tarisai (Rukanda). He gives us the depth we need when going forward. My boys played so well and I’m happy with a point,” said Mapeza.
Veteran coach Chidzambwa was also happy with a draw.
“We were playing a well organised team which was very good in possession. With a bit of luck, we could have snatched a win but that’s football,” said Chidzambwa.
“I’m not a referee but I thought the goal scored by Limited (Chikafa) was genuine. The referee pointed to the centre and the linesman indicated offside. I’m not a referee but they know better than I do.
“A point away from home is very vital. We’ll carry it to Kariba and take it from there,” he said.
Chidzambwa also saluted Sweswe’s performance. “I’m also happy with Sweswe. He is a very good defender. People think he is old but to me he is still very good.”
Teams
Platinum: P Mhari, I Nekati, G Bello, K Moyo, E Moyo, G Takwara, W Mhango, A Gahadzikwa, E Mandiranga (M K Mudehwe 64th ), B Muzondiwa, S Sibanda (F Mususunye)
ZPC Kariba: T Hove, S Sheshe D Phiri, T Sweswe, S Appiah, T Magorimbo, T Munyanduri, R Manuvire (P Tafirenyika 85th), L Fiyado (T Nyamandwe 72nd ), L Chikafa
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Bongani Ndlovu