malvernmugadzikwa
Don Makanyanga in NGEZI
Ngezi Platinum Stars ….. (0) 1
Manica Diamonds ………….. 0
NGEZI Platinum Stars needed a late penalty conversion by Kudzai Chigwida against fighting Manica Diamonds to return to winning ways and shoot back atop the Castle Lager Premier Soccer log standings.
Ngezi, who had slipped to third with 39 points prior to yesterday’s Match-Day 22 programme, are now leaders with 42 points, one ahead of Highlanders.
Bosso could, however reclaim top spot if they overcome Dynamos at Barbourfields this afternoon, while Manica Diamonds dropped from second into third.
Ngezi heaved a huge sigh of relief, seven minutes from time, when Manica Diamonds’ Lawrence Masibhera handled the ball in an attempt to clear a Marvelous Mukumba cross. Chigwida then held his nerve to convert from the spot. The platinum miners had suffered a shock 2-1 defeat by Herentals last weekend that left coach Takesure Chiragwi demanding a response.
And after Chigwida found the mark from the penalty spot, Chiragwi was full of praise for his charges for showing character.
“These three points are important to us because we add to what we had already, which is more important and we keep on adding on those points we have.
“What gives you confidence is winning games.
“Unfortunately, we lost last week to Herentals but the guys bounced back to pick up three points from this match, which I feel was not an easy one for us,” said Chiragwi.
Manica Diamonds coach Jairos Tapera refused to blame his side.
“At the start of the season, we said we wanted to win as many games as possible, this one included, but unfortunately, we did not manage to.
“We had no pressure of coming here to win and climb to the top but what I am happy with is the experience we managed to gain from this match.
“I am happy with how my guys played,” said Tapera.
In an otherwise balanced affair, a share of the spoils would have probably been the fairer result.
Ngezi were forced to make an injury-inspired substitution early on when defender, Ariel Makopa suffered what appeared a serious head injury and had to be ferried from the stadium away by an ambulance.
Polite Moyo was then thrown in as his replacement.
The hosts seized control of midfield proceedings and came close to ending the deadlock in the 25th minute when veteran Qadr Amini’s low cross was received by Takunda Benhura inside Manica Diamonds penalty box.
Instead of going for the goal, the young midfielder gave the responsibility to Valentine Kadonzvo off a lay-off but the latter shot straight into the hand of Tedious Baye.
The Gem Boys had few goal scoring opportunities of their own in the second half in which they played second fiddle to the hosts.
Online Reporter