By Munyaradzi Madzokere in Mhondoro-Ngezi
Ngezi Platinum Stars (0)1
Manica Diamonds (0) 0
Ngezi Platinum Stars needed a late penalty conversion from Kudzai Chigwida to claim three points and go top of the standings for at least 24 hours after a narrow win over Manica Diamonds at Baobab yesterday.
With the match poised for a goalless draw, referee Edward Mucharambeyi gave the hosts hope after awarding a 83rd minute penalty, which was dispatched by Chigwida.
Ngezi Platinum moved to 42 points after 22 matches, one above Highlanders who are in action against Dynamos today.
"To be honest it was a tough match.
"They came here well prepared. Tactically they were very good using the same system as ours. We won the game, which is very good and we are happy that we didn't concede as well," Ngezi Platinum coach Takesure Chiragwi said after the match.
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Manica Diamonds were the stronger of the two from the start, but they failed to carve out clear goalscoring opportunities.
Instead, visitors goalkeeper Tedious Baye made two quick saves half way through the first half, first diving low to smother a Valentine Kadonzvo shot from the edge of the box after he was laid on by Takunda Benhura.
A moment later Baye was quick off his line to thwart Bruno Mtigo in a one on one situation following a counter attack.
Tapiwa Mandinyenya would also sting Baye's palms with a ferocious shot from a dangerous freekick position late in the first half.
Ngezi Platinum lost defender Ariel Makopa early in the match after a crude tackle by Talent Chamboko and he had to be taken to hospital.
The second half started at a fast pace as both teams sought for an early goal.
Mtigo tested Baye from outside the box but the goalkeeper was up to the task with a smart low save.
Manica Diamonds brought in top scorers Fortune Binzi and winger Michael Tapera to add some bite in their strike force.
Ngezi Platinum responded by introducing Delic Murimba, Walter Vuwa and Marvelous Mukumba around the hour mark.
Baye produced the best save of the day 15 minutes before full-time stretching to deny Benhura, who had latched on to a through pass from Marlvin Gaki and let fly a thunderous shot aimed for the bottom corner.
The hosts were awarded a penalty late in the game after referee Mucharambeyi adjudged that Lawrence Masibhera had handled a Marvelous Mukumba cross.
Defender Kudzai Chigwida blasted home the spot kick with just seven minutes left on the clock.
Gem Boys coach Jairos Tapera was pleased with his side's performance in spite of the defeat.
"I think it was a competitive game from both teams and I am proud of my boys. Like I said at the start of the season we want to win as many games as possible this one included. Yes we lost the three points but the performance was good," he said.
Ngezi Platinum Stars - N Chadya, K Chigwida, A Makopa (P Moyo 22'), V Kadonzvo. ( M Gaki 74'), T Benhura, G Madhake, M Mushonga (M Mukumba 62'), L Kashitigu, B Mtigo, Q Amini( W Vuwa 62') T Mandinyenya (D Murimba 62')
Manica Diamonds - T Baye, L Masibhera(G Bero , B Chikwenya, T Chisi, T Mavhunga, J Takunda, R Kawondera, B Amidu ( P Manhanga 88'), T Chamboko, T Macheke (M Tapera 58'), D Ngoma ( F Binzi 58')
