Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga in Mhondoro-Ngezi
Ngezi Platinum 2-2 ZPC Kariba
A dramatic last minute free kick from Wayne Makuwara, snatched a valuable point for ZPC Kariba, denying ten man Ngezi Platinum Stars a win, in an action packed Premier Soccer League clash at Baobab Stadium.
The match was a tale of early goals, a red card and late drama, all unfolding in a high octane encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Ngezi Platinum Stars stormed into an early lead in the sixth minute, when Talent Chamboko headed home from an Amini corner. But ZPC Kariba responded swiftly, equalising just two minutes later, through Fanuel Shoko.
The hosts quickly reclaimed the lead in the 11th minute, with Takunda Benhura converting an Amini cross with a well timed header.
However, the momentum shifted in the 20th minute, when Ngezi were reduced to ten men after Grace Gimo gave a straight red card to Malvin Gaki, for a rough challenge on Simbarashe Chimanikire.
Chimanikire was subsequently substituted due to injury, with coach Newton Chitehwe bringing on Tawanda Musariri in his place.
Despite having the numerical advantage, ZPC Kariba struggled to break down a resolute Ngezi defence, who showed admirable discipline and organisation.
ZPC came close to levelling the score several times before the break, the clearest chance falling to Charles Munyaradzi, who headed just wide from close range around the half hour mark. Munyaradzi threatened again eight minutes later after capitalising on a defensive lapse, but failed to find the net.
The second half saw Ngezi take a more cautious approach, aiming to preserve their lead. They controlled large spells of possession but failed to make their dominance in the final third count.
ZPC Kariba relied on counter attacks and eventually found their rhythm in the last 20 minutes, mounting sustained pressure. But once again, poor finishing let them down until the dying moments.
Makuwara stepped up with a sublime free kick from the edge of the box on the right flank, curling it home to level the scores at the death and break Ngezi’s hearts.
At the final whistle, Ngezi players looked dejected, knowing they had let victory slip away.
“We really wanted to win and we played very well from the onset,” said Ngezi coach Takesure Chiragwi. “The early red card disrupted us, but in the end, we’re happy with the point.”
His ZPC Kariba counterpart, Newman Chitehwe, was also content with the result.
“It’s a point gained for us. It’s never easy playing away against a title contender. I’m quite happy with how the boys fought,” said Chitehwe.
