Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
Scottland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0
FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
ON any other day, Scottland would have walked away from this match with a big victory, but in FC Platinum keeper Manifred Ekoi, they encountered a huge stumbling block.
That Mabvirarira failed to open the gap between them and second-placed Hardrock was largely due to the Cameroonian goalkeeper, who was duly named Man of the Match at Rufaro yesterday.
Ekoi made at least five brilliant saves, especially in the second half, where Scottland came as a rejuvenated side.
The day belonged to goalkeepers as Scottland Number One Nelson Chadya also wrote his own piece of history.
Chadya registered his 21st clean sheet of the season, surpassing the record set by Donovan Bernard with Chicken Inn during the 2024 season.
The hosts’ goalkeeper also made two good saves that kept Scottland in the game, avoiding a defeat that would have spoiled the mood ahead of Sunday’s CAF Champions League preliminary round clash against Nsingizini Hotspurs at the National Sports Stadium.
‘The boys worked so hard; our main focus now goes to Sunday’s game,” Scottland coach Norman Mapeza said.
Yesterday’s draw pushed Scottland to 57 points, four ahead of second-placed Hardrock, who play TelOne at Chahwanda on Saturday.
But there was another sideshow to the Scottland act, when veteran striker Knowledge Musona walked straight to the dressing room when he was substituted early in the second half.
When he came back, he avoided coach Mapeza and used the back of the technical bench.
Mapeza refused to be drawn much into the drama.
“I don’t know what he was thinking.
“So, I cannot comment on that one,” Mapeza said.
The bookies tipped Scottland to win the game, but FC Platinum looked like a side that came prepared.
Their coach Thabo Senong congested the midfield, employed a low block and targeted Scottland on the counter raids.
Mapeza gave his South African counterpart some credit.
“They (FC Platinum) were very organised, because they were sitting; they were using a very low block.
“So, in the first half, we didn’t get enough clear-cut chances, but I think in the second half, we got some half chances.
“But look, it wasn’t an easy game for us; they really knew exactly what they wanted,” added Mapeza.
The veteran gaffer now wants his players to shift focus to Sunday’s CAF Champions League match.
He believes Scottland can do well if the strikers convert their opportunities, even half chances.
“Let’s bury those half chances. We didn’t need maybe four or five goals out of this game.
“If we managed to get that one goal, I’m sure definitely the game was going to open up.
“Because they were defending so deep, but the focus is now on Sunday’s game.”
Skipper Walter Musona could have buried the game in the dying minutes, but his well taken free-kick was well saved by FC Platinum keeper Ekoi.
The Cameroonian also saved from Abubakar Moffat and substitute Emmanuel Ziocha.
Scottland right-back Emmanuel Jalai was a bundle of energy the whole afternoon and could have easily walked away with the Man of the Match award had Ekoi not made those heroic saves.
That is now water under the bridge.
Nsingizini Hotspurs is up next for the Zimbabwean champions.
“Monday and Tuesday, it was a lot to do with this game today.
“So tomorrow (today), we’re definitely going to have a recovery session.
“Then Friday and Saturday, we’ll prepare for the Sunday game,” said Mapeza.
He fielded a full-strength side yesterday, throwing in a front three of Walter Musona, Khama Billiat and Panashe Mutimbanyoka.
Knowledge Musona started in front of the two central midfielders Abubakar Moffat and Moses Shidolo.
Mapeza also remarked on Chadya’s clean sheet.
“He’s been doing well for us, and I’m happy for him.”
Scottland are yet to lose against FC Platinum, who were resilient yesterday.
They looked organised under Senong.
“We’ve been working hard in training and also just during analysis, just to look at the strengths and weaknesses of our players,” said Senong.
