Online Reporter
Alberto Chamwadoro
[email protected]
FC Platinum…………1
Agama…………………0
THABO SENONG marked his FC Platinum dugout debut by ending the four-time champions’ long wait for a home league victory as Tadiwanashe Godfrey Muchenje secured a 1-0 win over 10-man Agama at Mandava Stadium yesterday.
It was FC Platinum’s first league victory at Mandava since they beat Chicken Inn by the same scoreline in Week 13.
Senong had spent almost three-and-a-half weeks outside the dugout while awaiting clearance of his paperwork.
During that period, FC Platinum drew 1-1 with Simba Bhora, edged Marere 1-0 in the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup and lost 3-1 to Scottland in the Chibuku Super Cup.
The South African was animated from the first whistle, barking instructions from the touchline as FC Platinum made a bright start.
Trevor Bhunu beat his marker and laid the ball into the path of Emmanuel Dogbey, but the striker fired over the bar.
FC Platinum continued searching for the opening goal, but Agama remained organised and the sides went into the break goalless.
The game changed in the 49th minute when Agama’s Bernard Chipanera was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card.
Senong withdrew defender Vitapi Ngaruka as part of an attacking reshuffle, with substitute Junior Jarison Selemani playing a decisive role.
Selemani beat his marker in the 65th minute and crossed for Muchenje, who guided the ball home.
Senong was pleased that his side had remained patient against a disciplined Agama defence.
“We knew the game was going to be tough because Agama are a very good and disciplined team. If you remember how they made it hard for MWOS last week, they are extremely organised defensively,” he said.
“We spoke to our players about patience, about not losing our structure while attacking and about balancing goal creation with solid defending because we have been conceding too many goals.
“If you look at the Scottland game, our confidence levels were a bit down because we conceded three goals.
“So, our objectives today were not to concede, to create clear-cut chances and to get the win. We did all three.
“I want to congratulate the boys because they have been working incredibly hard at training.”
