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Tadious Manyepo in ZVISHAVANE
Triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0 ) 2
Ngezi Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(1) 2
THREE goals in three minutes, a red-card, a player whisked off to hospital at half-time, a punishing heatwave and a share of the spoils.
And, at the end of this Mandava drama, Ngezi Platinum secured their passage into the quarter-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup.
However, for the first time in the tournament this season they dropped points, to dent their perfect record.
Triangle’s fate in the tournament, which they won in 2018, was also sealed with two group games still to play.
After a three-month enforced break, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the two teams showed remarkable resilience under the tough hot conditions, with temperatures here hitting 34 degrees Celsius at midday.
Denver Mukamba, who remains a creative force, opened the scoring in the opening 10 minutes. Ngezi Platinum appeared in control of the proceedings, enjoying plenty of the ball, and suffocating Triangle, in every department.
But, they failed to transform their majority share of the ball onto the scoreboard, fluffing a number of chances during a spell which forced Triangle coach, Taurai Mangwiro, to go for Option B.
He shuffled his formation from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 and the scales started to tilt in their favour.
Mangwiro introduced veteran striker, Ralph Matema and Delic Murimba at the break as he sought to salvage their campaign.
Murimba scored twice in three minutes, either side of a goal scored by Bruno Mtigo for Ngezi Platinum.
As Triangle searched for a winning goal, they were caught on the break, with Ngezi substitute Nyasha Chinyuli running clear at goal.
Lincoln Mangayira brought him down, resulting in the centre-back receiving a second yellow card with 13 minutes still to play.
The final minutes fizzled out with no real goalmouth action to write home about, especially with Triangle ‘keeper Takabva Mawaya, employing some delaying tactics.
He came in for Ronald Mudimu who is in hospital.
Ngezi Platinum coach Rodwell Dhlakama said he would have wanted his charges to press on for a win but was still happy with progressing to the next round.
“We should have won this one, with a little bit of concentration,” he said.
“It’s a match we dominated, especially in the first half, and I feel we should have killed it off well before the opponents found a way back into the contest.
“But, all the same, I am very happy that we have secured our passage into the next round.
“We still have two games to play in the group and we have to use that as preparations for the quarter-finals.”
Mangwiro refused to blame his charges.
“It’s about those small margins, I won’t blame my players, they are all committed to the cause and it’s unfortunate we failed to win this one,” he said.
“We would have wanted to win it for our goalkeeper Ronald Mudimu, who is not feeling well.
“But, we will keep on fighting, as we prepare for future assignments, we still have our pride to play for.”
Ngezi Platinum substitute, Wayne Makuva, was rushed to hospital after complaining of some pain, at half-time.
Teams
Triangle: T. Mawaya, T. Mugoniwa, M. Ngwenya, L. Mangayira, A. Chiveya, D. Mudadi, S. Gadzikwa (R. Matema 46th min), E. Mawuna (D.Murimba 46th min) C. Dhuwa, G. Bero (K. Gwao 80th min), R. Madamombe
Ngezi Platinum: N. Chadya, D. Mukamba, P. Moyo, B. Mtigo (N. Makumbe 84th min), Q. Amini, W. Taderera (V. Kadonzvo 84th min), M. Makuwe (N.Chintuli 51st min) M. Mukumba (D. Bonnah 74th min), K. Murera, M. Mushonga (A. Chivandire)
Online Reporter
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