Andrew
Don Makanyanga in ZVISHAVANE
FC Platinum…………………………………….(0) 0
Ngezi Platinum Stars………………………..(0) 1
NORMAN MAPEZA was left a frustrated man once again as his charges’ frailties in front of goal continued, which led FC Platinum to fall to Ngezi for the first time in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match.
Mandava Stadium was the latest venue of the battle of the platinum miners.
McDonald Makuwe scored the only goal of the match four minutes after the break when he came to an end of a Delick Mulimba cross.
Mapeza described the defeat as “a disappointing one’’, blaming his charges for failing to capitalise on scoring opportunities that came their way.
“It is disappointing to lose matches but we are not losing hope.
“We had so many scoring opportunities to kill the game in the first half but the most disappointing part is that they only got one opportunity which we gifted them,” said Mapeza. “I do not recall them creating any chances in the first half and the problem we are having is decision-making in front of goal, but again we are a work in progress.”
Chiragwi, who recorded his second consecutive victory since taking over from Rodwell Dhlakama, was naturally elated by the win.
“I am happy for the boys; they fought very hard to get the win. We play football to get points and it was not easy to win against FC Platinum. It is a very organised team.
“You do not need seven chances to win the game; you need that one chance and bury it and you win the game,” said Chiragwi.
Yet the champions dominated the first half but had themselves to blame for failing to convert the numerous chances they created.
Donald Teguru was the chief culprit in the opening period.
His first chance came in the fifth minute when he miscued his effort after a Nigel Makumbe cross.
He was also guilty of missing a clear-cut chance in the 35th minute when he hurried his effort and blasted over the bar after another delightful cross by Makumbe.
Two minutes before the break, Ransome Pavari had a perfect opportunity to give hosts the lead after Ngezi failed to deal with another Makumbe cross, but the FC Platinum midfielder fluffed his lines.
Having played second fiddle in the first half, Ngezi came back from the break a much improved side.
Former Triangle forward Mulimba capitalised on a defensive blunder by Pavari, who took ages to clear the ball.
Mulimba subsequently sent in a cross that found Makuwe, who did well to control the ball before rounding off Petros Mhari in goals for FC Platinum and scoring what proved to be the winner from an acute angle.
Ironically, that goal was the first real opportunity that Ngezi had created in the game.
Although FC Platinum were trailing, they never lost their shape and composure and kept searching for an equaliser that proved elusive.
PSL RESULTS
FC Platinum 0 – 1 Ngezi Platinum
Chicken Inn 2 – 1 Black Rhinos
Yadah 0 – 0 Bulawayo City
Dynamos 2 – 0 ZPC Kariba
Online Reporter