Manica Diamonds make it five in a row

Ray Bande in Mutare

Manica Diamonds . . . . . . . . . .   (0) 1

FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  (0) 0

MANICA DIMAONDS made it five wins in a row as they grabbed an injury-time winner against former champions, FC Platinum in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Sakubva yesterday.

Micheal Tapera scored the decisive goal three minutes into added time as Manica Diamonds finally beat FC Platinum since joining the Premiership.

The hosts were however, not happy with the referee Patrick Kalota in a match that failed to live up to its pre-match hype.

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza was forced to make an injury inspired substitution when Lindelwe Ndlovu was involved in a nasty clash with Tawanda Chisi and sustained a head injury that resulted in him being stretchered off the pitch in the 13th minute.

Kevin Mangiza replaced him.

Manica Diamonds could have surged ahead in the 39th minute, but Harare based referee Kalota denied the home team what appeared a penalty.

Goal bound Fortune Binzi, with the ball firmly under control as he got into the box, was hacked down by FC Platinum midfielder Rainsome Pavari and Kalota waved play on much to the chagrin of home team supporters.

The same happened in the 83rd minute when FC Platinum defender Lawrence Mhlanga seemingly handled in the box while trying to clear the ball.

Lady Luck finally smiled on the home team three minutes into added time when exciting second half substitute Michael Tapera blasted home a hard and low shot off a rebound after a corner kick.

After the match, Manica Diamonds coach Jairos Tapera chose to thank his players for a job well done.

“I am happy with this result. It is a reflection of the hard work that my boys are putting into this project. We played well, and we managed to defend well, especially in the first half, where we faced some scary moments. We are moving ahead with confidence and hope to carry on collecting points,” Tapera said.

His opposite number, Mapeza congratulated Manica Diamonds for a well-deserved triumph.

“Congratulations to Manica Diamonds for winning this encounter. It was a match we could have also won if we had made the most of the chances we created. But that is how the game football goes. You can only win when scoring. I think my boys played well, and we will make amends in the few areas we made mistakes,” Mapeza said.

Teams

Manica Diamonds:

Godfrey Chitsumba; Lawrence Masibera; Farai Banda; Tawanda Chisi; Thubilihle Jabulani; Jefrey Takunda; Amidu Bret (Panashe Mutasa, 78th minute); Gerald  Bhero (Charlse Teguru, 46th minute); Tawanda Macheke (Micheal Macheke, 46th minute); Enoch Karembo; Fortune Binzi (Kudzanai Dhemere, 78th minute):

FC Platinum:

Wallace Magalane; Felix Moyo; Lindelwe Mbongeni (Kevin Manguza, 16th minute); Lawrence Mhlanga; Ransome Pavari; Desire Magaya; Brian Banda; Juan Mutudza (Brighton Mavhire, 90th minute); Panashe Mutimbanyoka; Oscar Bhebhe; Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya (Wilfred Muvirimi, 65th minute):