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Bulawayo City . . . . . . . . . . . .(0) 1
FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(1) 1
CHARLES SIBANDA scored the fastest goal of the season but early season Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title favourites FC Platinum failed to build on that storming start to draw against Bulawayo City at Barbourfields yesterday.
Sibanda curled home a free kick in the first minute after Marshal Mudehwe was fouled on the edge of the box.
The visitors went on to dominate play but fluffed several chances before Bulawayo City’s Mkhululi Moyo chipped the ball over FC Platinum keeper Petros Mhari to restore parity on 69 minutes.
FC Platinum went into the match on the back of two straight wins over Dynamos and Bantu Rovers but Norman Mapeza’s machine came unstuck against a side that is looking decent under the guidance of former Young Warriors gaffer Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu.
The Pure Platinum Play coach reckoned his team paid dearly for failing to convert their chances.
“We created the chances but we made poor decisions. I think it’s an area we need to work on.
“But at the end of the day I cannot complaint much, we came here looking for a positive result and we got a point. It’s going to be a long marathon and we need to put our mind on our next game against Triangle,” said Mapeza.
FC Platinum were dealt blow as their star defender Gift Bello limped off in the 81st minute and is now a doubt for Pure Platinum Play’s next match against Triangle at Maglas on Wednesday.
Bello was replaced by Ian Nekati who did well to keep FC Platinum in the game when he blocked Bhekimpilo Ncube’s goal bound header in the 83rd minute.
Bulawayo City: L. Chirava, M. Kadzola, Z. Sibanda, N. Mukumbi, M. Mungadze, K. Madzongwe, R. Pavari, B. Ncube, H. Masuku (I. Kutsanzira 81), M. Moyo (C. Rupiya 87), M. Dube
FC Platinum: P. Mhari, R. Muduviwa, E. Moyo, W. Stima, G. Bello (I. Nekati 81), W. Mhango, S. Shoko, R. Chinyengetere, M. Mudehwe (N. Masuku 90), C. Sibanda (A. Murimba 79), G. Mbweti
Online Reporter