Sundaymail EditorSikhumbuzo Moyo in Beira, Mozambique
UD Songo 2,4 FC Platinum
(FC Platinum advance 5,2 on aggregate)
YOU simply had to be there to believe it.
FC Platinum went on a second half rampage to totally annihilate hosts UD Songo and boot them out of the Total Caf Champions League in front of their own fans at the Estadio Feraviaro de Beira yesterday.
Two goals down inside the first 26 minutes, and for the entire first half, the Zimbabwean champions came back from the breather a completely changed outfit and terrorized the hosts in search of what would have been an all-important away goal.
Their travelling fans jumped off their seats in the 52nd minute, courtesy of a flashing header by hatrick hero Rodwell Chinyengetere, who connected to an inviting cross from the right by Gift Mbweti.
From then, the process of the slow but sure death of the Mozambicans began.
Workaholic Never Tigere pulled the Zimbabweans’ level on the day, 3-2 up on aggregate, with a goal of individual brilliance after he outpaced his markers and slotted the ball home.
Panic gripped UD Songo who now needed to score two clear goals without reply. That saw them making three quick substitutions.
However, it was FC Platinum who took a match day lead through Chinyengetere, who had come in for an injured Rahman Kutsanzira in the first half.
The reigning Soccer Star of the Year intercepted a poor pass from the hosts’ defence, charged forward and allowed Pendula to come out. With the coolness of a veteran, he slotted the ball home.
Deep into injury time, Mbweti found himself in possession inside the box and as he waltzed his way past his marker, he was crudely brought down, leaving referee Bernard Camille with no option but to point to the spot.
Up stepped Chinyengetere to send the goalkeeper the wrong way and confirm FC Platinum’s passage to the lucrative mini league phase.
An elated Lizwe Sweswe, in charge of the Zvishavane side’s dressing room, praised his charges for sticking to the game plan and never panicking, even when down two-nil. “It’s a great win indeed, the script went according to plan, even though it was unfortunate that we conceded two goals in the first half. “We however kept our game plan and that paid dividends,” said Sweswe.
Teams
UD Songo: Leonel Mario Pendula, Frank Banda, John Banda, Infren Matola, Candido Mathe (Mario Sinamanda 68th min) Luis Miquissone, Hermenegildo Mutambe, Pascoal Carlos, Stelio Ernesto, Antonio Chirinda (Amade Momade 71st mins) , Cremildo Nhantumbo (Pachoio King 65th mins)
Subs: Aurio Nharreluga, Bheu Januario, Mucuape Tembe, Jose Gui
FC Platinum: Petros Mhari, William Stima, Gift Bello, Lawrence Mhlanga,Kelvin Madzongwe, Never Tigere (Devon Chafa 86th mins) , Rahman Kutsanzira (Rowell Chinyengetere 24thmins), Rainsom Pavari, Raphael Muduviwa, Gift Mbweti, Perfect Chikwende (Tawana Chikore 90+3mins)
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