Ngezi crash the Scottish dream

Innocent Kurira

NGEZI Platinum delivered Scottland their first defeat of the season with a slender 0-1 victory, secured by Kudzai Chigwida’s second-half penalty. The result not only brought Scottland’s flawless start to a halt but also marked the first time they have conceded a goal in this top-flight league campaign.

The match’s decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute when Chigwida calmly converted from the penalty spot. This followed Frederick Botchway’s adjudged foul on Tinashe Muvhudzi in the penalty area.

Referee Brighton Chimene immediately pointed to the spot, and despite a noticeable delay from Scottland goalkeeper Talbert Shumba, Chigwida maintained his composure to slot home the game’s solitary goal.

Ngezi Platinum’s win represented a significant stride forward after their opening-day draw with Kwekwe United and a narrow 1-0 victory over GreenFuel.

Scottland coach Tonderayi Ndiraya felt his team were below their usual standard.
“We had a very good game, which was balanced, but we were not ourselves today. We started very slowly. We could not create chances, and if you don’t create chances, you don’t win the game. I thought a draw would have been a good result,” said Ndiraya.

Ngezi Platinum’s Takesure Chiragwi was effusive in his praise for his side’s performance, asserting that the result was a testament to the team’s effective tactical approach.

“It was a well-deserved win. Our game plan worked. We wanted to keep possession and make them suffer without the ball, and I think we did that,” said Chiragwi.