Don Makanyanga in MHONDORO-NGEZI
Ngezi Platinum Stars ……………………………….1
Highlanders……………………………………………0
NGEZI Platinum Stars left it until deep into stoppage time to snatch maximum points against a resilient Highlanders side in this Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter at Baobab yesterday.
Just when the match appeared destined to end goalless, Edwin Madanhanga struck in the second minute of stoppage time to break Highlanders’ resistance and hand Ngezi a dramatic 1-0 victory.
The result was harsh on Highlanders, who had matched the champions for long periods despite going into the match without their coach Benjani Mwaruwari, who was away attending the burial of club benefactor Wicknell Chivayo.
Highlanders’ preparations had also been disrupted by on-and-off training sessions amid the club’s salary dispute, but assistant coach Mkhokheli Dube was left frustrated by the defeat, particularly after his side failed to make their opportunities count.
“The result is frustrating as it comes and, like we always say, if you don’t take your chances football will punish you.
“I liked how the team played and we managed to match Ngezi and we were just unlucky that we failed to take our chances but I am happy with how we played,” said Dube.
In the second half, Andrew Mbeba’s teasing delivery into the box eventually cleared by the Ngezi defence.
The two sides continued exchanging blows as the match opened up, but neither could find a way through the opposing backline.
With time running out, Highlanders came agonisingly close to taking the lead.
Mongameli Tshuma beat his markers a minute before the end of regulation time and appeared to have found the breakthrough, only for Leslie Kashitigu to clear the effort off the line.
Then, in the second minute of stoppage time, Madanhanga found the decisive breakthrough to send the home supporters into celebration.
“I am happy with the three points but, at the same time, I think we should have killed the match earlier with the chances we had,” said
Ngezi coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva.
