Hwange triumphs in minefield battle

From Paul Mundandi in Zvishavane
FC Platinum …………………. (2)2
Hwange………………………….. (0)3
Hwange produced a stunning comeback from two goals down to collect maximum points in a Castle Lager Premier League match at Mandava Stadium yesterday when they handed FC Platinum their first home defeat. Former FC Platinum son Alick Marime had the last laugh when he punished his former paymasters by scoring a brace, with Warriors defender Eric Chipeta scoring direct from a corner kick.

The hosts, who had total control of the first half, got their all-important goals from Michelle Katsvairo and Qadr Amin, who converted from the spot.

Down 0-2, the visitors won a corner kick after goalkeeper Talbott Shumba blocked a free-kick outside the box by Munyaradzi Mangadze. Chipeta flighted a beauty that saw Marime sending a firm header past goalkeeper Shumba in the 54th minute.

Chipeta levelled the scores when he curled in a corner kick from the left that sailed into the nets with young goalkeeper Shumba a mere spectator in the 78th minute. The goal torched wild celebrations from the small travelling contingent of drum-beating Chipangano fans. Marime, who troubled the platinum miners each time he had possession  of the ball, nearly increased the tally in the 85th minute when he met a cross from Chinyengetere but headed over the crossbar. He later made amends when he reacted swiftly to a corner kick from Chipeta. The gangly centre-back smashed the right upright post and Platinum defenders failed to clear allowing Marime to slot the ball home in injury time and Zvishavane collapsed.

The hosts’ coach Lloyd Mutasa was not impressed with the result.
“It was not good for us to concede three goals after leading by two goals in the first half. I expected my substitutes to do well but they failed to come to the party and such is football. We have to rectify our mistakes,” he said.

Nation Dube, who won his league match at Mandava last season by beating his former boss Tennant Chilumba, was a very excited man. “It’s still work in progress but we are on the right track. We want to continue winning games and see where we are going to stand at the end of the season,” he beamed.