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Innocent Kurira, in BULAWAYO
Highlanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2) 2
FC Platinum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
HIGHLANDERS finally ended their nine-year winless streak against FC Platinum in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League after outsmarting the reigning champions in front of a packed Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
Stanley Ngala and Peter Muduhwa provided the killer punches in the first half while Pure Platinum Play responded with a well-executed goal by Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona in the second stanza.
Before yesterday’s win, Highlanders had last beaten FC Platinum on August 24, 2014 at Mandava Stadium, when Charles Sibanda gave them the three points that afternoon.
The win yesterday saw Amahlolanyama, who are yet to lose a match this season, with two wins and a draw move into third position on the log standings with seven points.
They have the same points as table-topping Dynamos and second-placed CAPS United, with the two Harare giants above Bosso because of a superior goal difference.
Bosso played with vengeance yesterday and were even denied what looked like a genuine goal when Godfrey Makaruse headed home a Marvelous Chigumira corner kick in added time only for referee Mhaka Magara to award FC Platinum a free kick citing an infringement. The decision left many in the stadium perplexed.
Even video evidence would prove there was no infringement on FC Platinum goalkeeper Wallace Magalane and the goal should have stood. Mhaka also made some questionable decisions when the two teams met at the same venue last season in an encounter won 3-2 by FC Platinum.
Aside from the late drama, any doubts of Portuguese coach Baltemar Brito’s tactical prowess were canceled as the Portuguese outfoxed Norman Mapeza with splendid counterattack football in the first half.
As someone who worked under Jose Mourinho, Brito seemed to have taken one of the templates from the top gaffer who made a name for “parking the bus”. That was exactly what Highlanders did yesterday.
In the first half Bosso were solid at the back and ruthless in attack. As a result, they scored two goals in the first half through Ngala and Mudhuwa. Ngala opened the scoring in the 27th minute after capitalising on a loose ball which he chipped over Magalane to put Bosso in front.
Mudhuwa would get the second in the 34th minute heading home an Achford Faira corner kick and the Bosso fans went crazy.
FC Platinum sought to come back in the second half and they got their goal when Musona volleyed home six minutes after the break but Bosso would hang on to the lead until the end.
Brito pointed out that they were happy with having FC Platinum on the ball and catching them on the break.
“They have quality players. They know how to play. They have a coach who has spent a long time at the club. They came here and they kept the ball. We felt comfortable with them on the ball. What is important right now is to get the points.
“It doesn’t matter how. For us the three points are most important. If we want to make achievements we need to understand we have to get points from teams like FC Platinum that have quality in terms of players,” said Brito.
Norman Mapeza, the FC Platinum coach Mapeza was happy with his side’s performance despite the loss.
“Life goes on. This is the third game of the season. This happened last season, game number three we lost to Bulawayo Chiefs, there is no difference. But performance wise we played well. We played football.
“We did not panic. I am happy my boys kept playing football. There are some moments l thought we could have done better but l told my boys in the dressing room that l am proud of them,” said Mapeza.
Next up for Highlanders is a Bulawayo derby against Chicken Inn at Emagumeni while FC Platinum are at home against Bulawayo Chiefs.
Teams
Highlanders: Ariel Sibanda, Devine Mhindirira (Makaruse 89 mins), Lynoth Chikuhwa, McKinnon Mushore (Washington Navaya 74 mins), Andrew Mbeba, Peter Mudhuwa, Stanley Ngala (Marvelous Chigumira 66 mins), Darlington Mukuli, Archford Faira, Mbongeni Ndlovu, Melikhaya Ncube (Brighton Mhanhire 74 mins)
FC Platinum: Wallace Magalane, Gift Mbweti, Misheck Ngwenya, Lawrence Mhlanga, Kelvin Mangiza, Brian Banda, Hagiazo Magaya (Innocent Mucheneka, 53 mins), Juan Mutudza, Panashe Mutimbanyoka (Jarrison Selemani 80 mins), Walter Musona, Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya (Perfect Chikwende 53 mins).
Online Reporter