Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira at Mandava Stadium
FC Platinum 1-1 Highlanders
THE final whistle at Mandava Stadium painted two contrasting pictures.
Highlanders’ travelling supporters remained in full voice, celebrating a hard-earned point, while the home fans filed out in near silence after FC Platinum were held to a 1-1 draw in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter yesterday.
For Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari, the point was another sign his side continues to move in the right direction. For FC Platinum mentor Joel Luphahla, it only piled more pressure on a team still struggling to rediscover the standards that made them four-time league champions.
A draw was probably the fairest outcome in a match of two distinct halves. Highlanders controlled much of the opening period before FC Platinum responded strongly after the break and looked the more likely winners.
The hosts were the first to go ahead after Garikai Dematsika struck the crossbar before Highlanders failed to clear their lines, allowing Oscar Bhebhe to pounce and put FC Platinum ahead.
Bosso refused to panic and were rewarded through a flowing move that underlined their attacking quality. Kudakwashe Mahachi burst forward before combining brilliantly with Benjamin Adeogun, whose perfectly weighted pass sent the winger into the box. Mahachi was brought down by the advancing defender, leaving referee Brighton Chimene with little option but to point to the spot. Adeogun calmly converted the penalty to restore parity.
Highlanders could have gone ahead before the interval. Isaac Ngoma found himself with acres of space but failed to make the most of the opportunity, opting to drift wide instead of driving into the danger area.
At the other end, Bhebhe almost produced a memorable solo goal before Rainsome Pavari recovered with a crucial block.
Goalkeeper Aaron Ngwenya then kept Highlanders level with a superb reflex save to deny Godfrey Muchenje’s powerful header just minutes before half-time.
FC Platinum returned from the break with renewed purpose. Thubelihle Jubane came close with a header from an Mcebisi Moyo delivery before the hosts had strong appeals for a penalty waved away by Chimene.
Mahachi continued to provide moments of magic for Highlanders, drawing loud cheers from the travelling support with a delightful nutmeg on Trevor Bhunu. As FC Platinum pushed for a winner, Abram Thahikika was presented with a glorious late opportunity but failed to apply the finishing touch, ensuring the points were shared.
Mwaruwari admitted his side rode their luck in the second half.
“It was a game of two halves. I think we dominated the first half, but our new challenge is in defence. In the second half they could have buried us because they came at us,” said Mwaruwari.
Luphahla did not hide his disappointment with his team’s continued struggles.
“I am one coach who rates himself highly and I think at the moment we are punching below the belt. FC Platinum are four-time champions and I think at the moment we are struggling,” he said.
When the dust settled, Highlanders had every reason to celebrate another valuable away point, while FC Platinum were left searching for answers as the pressure on Luphahla continued to mount.
