FC PLATINUM.................(0)0
MANICA DIAMONDS...... (1)1
FC PLATINUM coach Norman Mapeza was left to rue a tale of missed chances as they blew a chance to close the gap between them and log leaders Simba Bhora after losing 1-0 to Manica Diamonds at Mandava stadium yesterday.
Ultimately, their defeat lessens pressure on Simba Bhora who are bracing for a tricky tie against relegation candidates TelOne FC this afternoon in Gweru.
Enock Karembo was the ultimate hero for the Jairos Tapera-coached side after scoring the only goal which helped them collect maximum points.
Even with a few minutes to go, it was incredibly tense as FC Platinum piled pressure, hoping to get an equalizer.
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But it was not to be as Manica Diamonds gallantly held on to secure the narrow win, their second in eleven matches.
Naturally, Norman Mapeza was disappointed with the result as his team remain stuck on 46 points, having picked one point in the last three games.
"We are all disappointed. They had only one opportunity in the first half after about 30 minutes or so. That was the opportunity they got. Now it does not matter how many times you have been there [in front of goal], I guess if it wasn't your day, nothing will happen,” he said.
"I guess it wasn't our day because we did everything, hitting the crossbar, clear-cut chances with the goalkeeper saving. I think their goalkeeper kept them in the game today. It's more than disappointing; I can't take away anything from the boys. They did everything and they have been working so hard," Mapeza added.
His counterpart, Jairos Tapera said: "It was a very important win for us and very difficult to win at the same time. You know how FC Platinum are organised when in Mandava. I think it has given us a lot of hope and confidence going forward. We were so organised in terms of defending. We knew what they were going to do to us hence closing all the gaps. We could have done better in the second half on some of the breaks we made."
FC Platinum started the game in their usual high tempo on the wings with Jarrison Selemani and Panashe Mutimanyoka, hoping to get an early first half goal.
But while their play did not inspire much confidence, the Gem Boys took the lead after 37 minutes through Enock Karembo, who capitalised on a defensive mix up to dart the ball beyond goalie, David Bizabani.
That was the point of difference in the match as FC Platinum were left staring at a defeat and a potential extension of the gap between them and leaders Simba Bhora.
Teams
FC PLATINUM : D Bizabani, L Mhlanga, M Ngwenya, R Pavari, H Magaya(A Chirinda 74'), D Mhindirira, B Banda, S Mhlanga, P Mutimbanyoka, J Selemani(J Mutudza 70'), T Ngwenya
MANICA DIAMONDS: T Baye, L Masibera, T Jubani, F Banda, K Gwao, J Takunda, E Karembo, K Dhemere, A Chivandire(M Tapera 54'), G Bero(C Teguru 70), T Macheke