Chronicle Editor
Oscar RusengaGreenFuel 0-1 FC Platinum
PANASHE Mutimbanyoka’s solitary goal at Gibbo yesterday was enough to give FC Platinum maximum points as they continued with their winning form after edging out hosts GreenFuel in a Castle Lager Premiership match.
FC Platinum may not be scoring as many goals as their fans expect them to but yesterday they dished out what could be the best game of football to be witnessed in the Lowveld so far this season.
The defending champions were a marvel to watch from early on, building from the back with some slick passing moves that almost resulted into a goal as early as the 10th minute.
Juan Mutudza saw his effort saved by GreenFuel number one David Bizabani after some good work on the left by Walter Musona. FC Platinum continued to ask the hosts difficult questions and Bizabani was again called into action denying Mutimbanyoka from close range just a minute later.
GreenFuel had a chance of their own in the 20th minute but Ashford Nyamajiwa could not get enough spring to direct his header after an innovative cross by Collins Dhuwa.
With the game swinging from one end to the other, FC Platinum captain Gift Mbweti could not finish off a very good move in what was going to be a very brilliant team goal after several touches by the visitors. The veteran defender unleashed a pile-driver that narrowly missed target in the 29th minute.
The Ethanol Boys also had Raymond Uchena to thank towards the interval as he was quick to clear the ball to safety after a swift counter-attack by the platinum miners, to end the half in a goalless deadlock. The visitors continued where they left in the first half, this time Wallace Magalane quickly switching the ball from his half into attack.
Magalane thwarted Honest Moyo’s dangerous low cross and dispatched a pin point delivery before Mutimbanyoka was setup for the only goal of the match.
FC Platinum survived a late scare as GreenFuel substitute Aristotle Manyamba’s well struck effort hit the crossbar, with Magalane well-beaten, with eight minutes of regulation time to play. Norman Mapeza’s charges continued playing without any delays until the last minute as they showed professionalism, despite carrying a slender lead.
This was very much unlike most of the local teams that usually employ unconventional delaying tactics once they surge into the lead.
GreenFuel coach Rodwell Dhlakama conceded defeat and praised his opponents for the good show. Dhlakama, however, felt his side showed improvement as the game progressed.
“The opposition played very well in the first half. They were better on transition, first on the mark, first ball, second ball but we regrouped in the second half.
“We had better exchanges in terms of chances created, one ball hitting the woodwork, one versus one but we could not finish off and we need to go back to the drawing board and focus on our next match,” said Dhlakama.
Mapeza was elated by the win, which was their third on the trot after ending a winless run that had spanned five games.
FC Platinum beat ZPC Kariba and Black Rhinos by similar margins in their previous two games and have now risen into second place on the log standings.
“It’s a massive result for us,” said Mapeza yesterday.
“The boys worked so hard. Our first half performance was solid, unfortunately we could not convert the chances we created. The positive thing is we are creating and we just need to work on our finishing.”
Teams
GreenFuel FC: David Bizabani, Clive Phiri, Tatenda Gora, Raymond Uchena, Honest Moyo, Xolosani Moyo (Gamu Chikengezha 80min), Collins Dhuwa, Bukhosi Sibanda (Aristotle Manyamba 69min), Nqobile Ndlovu, Ashford Nyamajiwa (Maxwell Makomeke 80min), Reginald Chinemo
FC Platinum:
Wallace Magalane, Gift Mbweti, Rainsome Pavari, Nomore Chinyerere, Kelvin Mangiza, Innocent Mucheneka, Juan Mutudza, Brian Banda, Panashe Mutimbanyoka, Walter Musona, Perfect Chikwende
Online Reporter