TelOne FC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(0)1
FC Platinum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
FC PLATINUM survived a late surge from TelOne in a pulsating Midlands derby at Bata Stadium yesterday. The match ended 1-1.
Malvin Kwinjo scored a beautiful second-half penalty to cancel out the FC Platinum goal, which was an own goal by TelOne midfielder Leo Hofisi.
The match started at a low pace, but FC Platinum were gifted with an early goal by Hofisi who beat his own goalie Matripples Muleya in an attempt to clear what looked like a harmless ball.
And that was the only thing to write home about in the first half. When play resumed in the second half, TelOne were forced to withdraw Washington Navaya due an injury.
They became lively when Fradrick Muza was introduced in the 63rd minute as he got their first attempt on goal, but it missed the target by inches with goalie rooted to the spot.
TelOne were awarded a penalty in the 85th minute after a FC Platinum defender handled the ball in the box. And left back Malvin Kwinjo calmly converted.
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Two minutes before full-time, the Norman Mapeza-coached side survived another attack as TelOne failed to score after a goalmouth melee.
Lloyd Gwerina hit the cross bar with a lofted effort from close range before Collin Chidomaya's header from the rebound was cleared off the line by Lawrence Mhlanga.
TelOne coach Herbert Maruwa was pleased after holding the four-time champions. "Our game plan worked. We managed to contain them on their wings.
"It was a good show from the boys, coming back after conceding an early goal. We managed to come back and get a point, we could have won it in the final minutes," he said.
His counterpart, Norman Mapeza was disappointed particularly over match officiating. "When you are playing a game of football and someone gives bad decisions against your team, it demotivates the players," Mapeza said.
"It is like psychological abuse. But it is a good point, very good point we move on to the next match we play Chegutu Pirates. It was a good result we got under difficult circumstances. The boys did well."
Teams
TelOne: Matripples Muleya, Trust Nyabinde, Malvin Kwinjo, Eria Mafirenyika, Admire Dzumbunu, Leo Hofisi, Hughe Chikosa (Tafadzwa Sibanda 69'), Jaison Kudzai(Fradrick Muza 63'), Blessing Sahondo(Llyod Gwerina 62') Washington Navaya (Collins Chidomaya 50'), Frankson Bushiri
FC Platinum: David Bizabani, Mbongeni Ndlovu, Lawrence Mhlanga, Rainsome Pavari, Anesu Chirinda, Shepherd Mhlanga, Brighton Manhire (Misheck Ngwenya 75'), Davison Marowa, Oscar Bhebhe, Wilfred Muvirimi.
