adminLovemore Zigara Midlands Correspondent
AMBITIOUS Gweru City registered their first win of the season on the field of play after beating a battling FC Platinum Under-19, 2-1 at Wilson Ground on Saturday. In previous matches “Chiwororo” as the Gweru side are affectionately known by their supporters, drew 1-1 against Hwahwa and were awarded maximum points in a walkover on a 3-0 scoreline after Town United failed to pitch up for the season opener.
Gweru City surged ahead in the Zifa Central Soccer League encounter against FC Platinum Under-19 through a strike from close range by the club’s top marksman last season, Phumulani Ncube in the 26th minute before the visitors leveled proceedings through Arnold Mpeyani six minutes later.
With the match seemingly going for a stalemate the hosts threw a sucker punch in the 76th minute when a speculative drive by Spencer Masunda caught the FC Platinum goalkeeper off guard.
Despite the defeat the Zvishavane side which consists of youngsters impressed the small crowd with their passing game and build-ups with 19-year-old Bastos Chihowa causing anxious moments for City each time he had possession.
The win saw “Chiwororo” move to third position on the table with seven points because of an inferior goal difference to army side Tongogara and Chrome Stars.
Gweru City coach Jeremiah Neganda believes the win has laid the foundation for their championship campaign.
“I am happy with collecting the three points. This is the starting point in our quest for promotion,” he said.
His counterpart, Jairos Tapera conceded defeat and said he will return to the drawing board to find a winning formula which has eluded them in all the matches they have played so far.
Results
Chrome Stars 0-0 ZRP Beitbridge; Gaths Mine 2-2 Tongogara; Nkayi 0-0 Hwahwa; Gweru City 2-1 FC Platinum Under-19; Silo1-2 MSU; Blanket 1-1 Vumbachikwe
P W D L F A GD Pts
Hwahwa FC 3 2 1 0 8 2 6 7
Gweru City FC 3 2 1 0 6 2 4 7
Chrome Stars FC 3 2 1 0 3 1 2 7
Tongogara FC 2 2 0 0 3 0 3 6
Blanket Mine FC 3 1 1 1 5 4 1 4
ZRP Beitbridge 3 1 1 1 5 6 -1 4
MSU FC 3 1 1 1 4 5 -1 4
Gaths Mine FC 2 1 0 1 6 3 3 3
Vumbachikwe FC 3 0 3 0 3 3 0 3
Nkayi United FC 3 1 0 2 3 5 -2 3
FC PlatinumU-19 3 0 2 1 3 4 -1 2
Silo United FC 3 0 1 2 4 6 -2 1
Chomumvuri Pirates 2 0 0 2 1 7 -6 0
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