HIGHLANDERS . . . 0
FC PLATINUM . . (2)2
FC PLATINUM picked up three points after they handed Highlanders their second defeat of the season in an exciting Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
The Zvishavane-based side are now second on the log with 21 points having beaten Green Fuel last week and also after being awarded three points on a 3-0 scoreline for their abandoned match against Caps United at Mandava Stadium.
Before the Green Fuel match, they had gone for four matches without a win with two draws and two defeats.
Juan Mutudza opened the account as early as the second minute with a sleek shot inside the penalty area from a Panashe Mutimbanyoka pass.
FC Platinum went two up in the 10th minute with a Lawrence Mhlanga’s header from a corner kick on the right by Mutudza, beating goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi all systems out.
Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu was a disappointed man after the match.
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“It was a very difficult game. We conceded very early. We were unsettled in the first 10 minutes in which we conceded two goals. It is always difficult to come back if you are playing a team like FC Platinum.
“Melikhaya [Ncube]’s absence could have affected us because we have not changed him. He has been regular in all the games that we played since the season started,” Kaindu said.
Ncube was suspended for the game as he was sitting on three yellow cards.
Kaindu's opposite number Norman Mapeza was delighted by the result.
“It was a good game of football. We had some very good opportunities to increase the scoreline but it wasn't to be. Highlanders caused some anxious moments in the first half, but overall it was a good game of football,” Mapeza said.
He paid tribute to his players for the hard-fought victory.
After the two goals, the hosts mounted pressure on FC Platinum and a thunderbolt by Khoza in the 14th minute narrowly missed the target.
Highlanders continued their onslaught on the visitors and Mckinnon Mushore was denied by the left-up right shot after he packed a stinger from outside the box and from the rebound Prince Ndlovu sailed his effort over the cross-bar in the 37th minute.
But Highlanders was blowing hot and cold in the first half with a disjointed midfield that failed to string passes.
The second-half started slow with no meaningful goalmouth action from either side and FC Platinum coach Mapeza made a double substitution in the 62nd minute, bringing in Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya for Wilfred Muvirimi and Oscar Bhebhe for Davison Murowa.
Two minutes later, the Bulawayo giants gaffer Kaindu also pulled out an ineffective Devine Mhindirira and brought in Calvin Chigonero and Khoza for Marvelous Chigumira.
However, the substitutions did not change the complexion of the game.
Teams
Highlanders: R Pitisi, M Khoza (M Chigumira 65'), G Makaruse (T Dube 79'), A Mbeba, P Muduhwa, Mason Mushore, Chikuhwa, Mckinnon Mushore, B Ncube, D Mhindirira (C Chigonero 65'), P Ndlovu
FC Platinum: D Bizabani, B Nzori, L Mhlanga, R Pavari, S Mhlanga (B Manhire 83'), H Magaya, B Banda, J Mutudza (K Mangiza 83'), D Murowa (O Bhebhe 62'), P Mutimbanyoka, W Muvirimi (T Ngwenya 62')
