BLACK Rhinos restricted FC Platinum to a 1-1 draw in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Mandava Stadium yesterday.
sports reporters
Chipembere made their intentions clear as they were the first to find the target through Jonathan Zvaita on the 45th minute from the penalty spot while Obey Gad beat his own goalkeeper to level terms for FC Platinum.
The result left both sides with only three wins in the opening eleven league matches. The platinum miners have now amassed a total of 14 points while the army side is on 11-point tally from as many matches.
After the match the hosts’ coach Lloyd Mutasa said he had wanted to collect maximum points, but failed to achieve that objective. “It’s a result that happens in football. We did not expect to draw, but we wanted to collect maximum points especially considering that we were playing at home,” Mutasa said.
Visiting coach Arthur Tutani was happy with a point away from home.
“We came here aiming to get a draw and we got it and I am happy that the boys played according to instructions,” Tutani said.
The platinum miners dominated proceedings from the onset and as early as the seventh minute Gift Bello was denied a scoring opportunity when Bruce Homora intercepted his goal-bound effort. On the stroke of half time, referee Nduna awarded the visitors a penalty after James Mukombwe sent a nice cross which was handled inside the penalty box by Simon Shoko.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
From the resultant spot-kick, Zvaita made no mistake to give the visitors a lead going into half time.
After the breather Mutasa introduced Wisdom and Walter Musona and that saw his side enjoying better possession.
Allan Gahadzikwa’s header from a long ball from James Marufu crushed against the upright three minutes into the second stanza.
Minutes later Musona sent in a cross that Gada directed into his own net in an effort to clear the ball and that levelled terms for FC Platinum.
Meanwhile, ZPC Kariba coach Saul Chaminuka wept following a crude tackle on his star forward Raphael Manuvire in yesterday’s 1-0 win over 10-man Chapungu at Gwanzura Stadium.
Veteran striker Limited Chikafa’s first-half strike helped ZPC Kariba edge the visitors who played the last 15 minutes without defender Blessed Mbavaira whose nasty lunge on Manuvire’s knee earned him a straight red card.
In a fit of rage, Chaminuka stormed the pitch lashing at referee Pedzisayi Chadya whom he accused of not protecting his players. He was restrained by Tawanda Munyanduri before breaking down as he returned to take his seat.
