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Zimpapers Sports Hub, Triangle United 2-0 FC Platinum
TRIANGLE UNITED tightened the screws on Norman Mapeza’s troubled FC Platinum yesterday, striking in each half through Elton Njini and Praise Machengete to claim a deserved 2-0 victory at Gibbo.
The result condemned FC Platinum to a third straight defeat in all competitions and gave Triangle their 14th match unbeaten, underlining the growing authority of Genesis Mangombe’s side.
The home team settled quickly, with mid season signing Nomore Chinyerere forcing Wallace Magalane into a fingertip save from a 21st minute free kick.
Their persistence paid off before the break when Munashe Bamara sliced through the defence to set up Njini, who finished coolly after slipping past the offside line in the 38th minute.
Platinum had a chance to respond just before halftime, but Thubelihle Jubani’s powerful strike was brilliantly kept out by Triangle goalkeeper Takudzwa Chikosi.
The second half opened with more pressure from Triangle. Veteran midfielder Ali Sadiki swung in a perfect corner and Machengete rose unchallenged to double the lead in the 50th minute, leaving Magalane stranded.
From then, the contest belonged to Triangle. Kamusoko controlled the midfield tempo while the tireless Bamara pressed every duel, drawing roars from the home supporters.
Bamara nearly scored himself on 65 minutes, only for defender Mbongeni Ndlovu to block his close range shot at full stretch.
The Platinum miners briefly threatened in the 68th minute when a Jarrison Selemani free kick almost forced an own goal, but Chikosi reacted sharply to spare his side.
For Mangombe, this was more than just three points.
“I am very happy with the victory. It’s every coach’s dream to win matches like this. We continue with our unbeaten run, which is now at 14 games in all competitions.
We were far better in critical situations, especially in counter attacks, and we used our strengths well to collect maximum points,” he said.
Mapeza admitted his disappointment but promised a response.
“We lost, it’s a game of football, and we have to accept that these things happen. Coming here is never easy, it’s always a difficult venue.
“We need to keep working hard and see how the season progresses.
We are hosting Caps United next weekend and we need to do better to get a result,” he said.
Online Reporter