FC PLATINUM................(0)2
HERENTALS................... (0)0
YOUNG forward Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya scored a goal and assisted another as he starred in FC Platinum’s win over Herentals FC in a league encounter at Mandava Stadium yesterday.
Ngwenya assisted FC Platinum's first goal, which was scored by Juan Mutudza before scoring the goal that wrapped up the game for Norman Mapeza's men.
The 21-year-old has scored in FC Platinum three wins on the bounce, against Caps United, Triangle United and Herentals. So far he has scored four goals for FC Platinum.
And Mapeza was on cloud nine as he waxed lyrical about Ngwenya's performance.
"He has worked for us. He is always up there alone. I have to admit that he always puts in the work and he deserved this.
"But I have to give credit to the team, although I feel we could have scored more than 10 goals," Mapeza said.
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Herentals started the match in high tempo, but their momentum only lasted until the fifth minute, when FC Platinum took control of proceedings in all respects.
The defending champions had themselves to blame in the first half as they wasted chances.
Herentals almost surged ahead on the half hour mark when Tinotenda Benza worked his way out into the FC Platinum box on the counter before forcing a diving save from goalkeeper Wallace Magalane.
And just like in their last meeting, this one was not short of drama, as Mapeza was yellow carded for remonstrating against the referee.
But Herentals' stubbornness was broken on the 50th minute after some sloppy defending, when Ngwenya broke loose on the right wing.
Ngwenya delivered a low cross that was met by Mutudza who tapped the ball home past the diving Takudzwa Chikosi.
He then doubled the scores by heading the ball home from a cross delivered by Walter Musona on the 64th minute.
Perfect Chikwende, Hagiazo Magaya and Rainsome Pavari missed, sitters which could have given FC Platinum a bigger winning margin.
Herentals mentor Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva felt FC Platinum's were gifted the second goal.
"It was a tough day for us. We could have gotten a penalty, but the referee thought we didn't deserve it. "The second goal was a gift, but we now focus on the next game," he said.
TEAMS
FC PLATINUM: W Magalane, G Mbweti, N Chinyerere, L Mhlanga, M Ngwenya, R Pavari, R Pavari, J Mutudza, B Banda, J Selemani( P Chikwende 82'), W Musona(I Mucheneka 90+), T Ngwenya(H Magaya 90+)
HERENTALS: T Chikosi, C Nyatondo, B Majarira, G Chinobva, D Marowa(T Jimu 60'), T Benza, P Chota, G Mukambi( S Murove 59'), B Phiri, W Kapumha(A Mataranyika 78'), P Chama(J Zhuwawu 78')
