tawandamusarurwa
Oscar Rusenga in TRIANGLE
Manica Diamonds…… 0
Ngezi Platinum……….. (1) 1
NGEZI Platinum coach Takesure Chiragwi was a relieved man as his side finally registered its first win of the 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season at Gibbo Stadium yesterday.
They, however, had to do it the hard way as they finished the game with a man short.
A 21st-minute penalty by seasoned left-back and Ngezi skipper Qadr Amini turned out to be the decider.
On a chilly afternoon in Triangle, the match was not short of drama as it produced two penalties and a red card.
“We started well in the first half and managed to get an early goal. We got a red card early in the second half and that affected our game plan and flow of the game,’’ Chiragwi said.
“We had to make tactical changes and also changed our approach. There are some games you play to win rather than play good football. I am happy with the way we defended our lead, especially after playing over half an hour with a man down.”
Ngezi’s Tinotenda Musariranwa was industrious and his work rate won him the penalty in the 21st minute after his initial shot was saved by in-form Jorum Muchambo.
Musariranwa recovered possession after the block but was tripped by Tawanda Chisi.
Amini converted the resultant spot kick.
Ngezi had a chance to double the lead in the 39th minute, but Takunda Benhura saw his effort thwarted by Muchambo after another excellent team move.
The home side had their first sight of goal in the 40th minute, when Gerald Bhero used his blistering pace to escape his markers, but his goal-bound effort was blocked by Gareth Madhake, before Nelson Chadya recovered to collect the ball.
Manica Diamonds were given the lifeline just before half time, as Malon Mushonga handled inside the box.
However, the reigning Goalkeeper of the Year, Chadya, denied Farai Banda from the penalty spot.
Ngezi started the second half looking to add to their tally but Nigel Makumbe skied a very good chance after a perfect pass from Takunda Benhura inside the box in the 47th minute.
Musariranwa then sent his effort inches wide after another good run in the 49th minute.
Bhero was clear on goal in the 51st minute and drew a late tackle from Kudzai Chigwida, who saw red after a second caution.
This meant Ngezi had to play the remaining 39 minutes with a man short.
The numerical advantage worked in favour of the hosts, who piled on the pressure but failed to get the much-needed goal.
Liberty Chakoroma had his effort thwarted by Chadya in the 89th minute in what proved a match-winning save.
Manica Diamonds coach Jairos Tapera conceded it was not their day.
“We did almost everything to get a goal; we even got a penalty and failed to convert.
“I am proud of the boys, they did everything to get a result but it’s one of those games when you play very well and you still lose,” he said.
TEAMS:
Manica Diamonds: Jorum Muchambo, Kelvin Gwao (Brian Chikwenya 74min), Farai Banda, Tawanda Chisi, Timire Mamvura, Liberty Chakoroma, Pasca Manhanga, Bret Amidu, Gerald Bhero, Panashe Mutasa (Charles Teguru 27min), Fortune Binzi
Ngezi Platinum Stars: Nelson Chadya, Polite Moyo, Gareth Madhake, Kudzai Chigwida, Tinotenda Musariranwa, Marvelous Mukumba, Qadr Amini, Tapiwa Mandinyenya (Carlos Mavhurume 55min), Malon Mushonga, Takunda Benhura, Nigel Makumbe
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter