BY FORTUNE MBELE
HIGHLANDERS . . . . (0) 2
FC PLATINUM . . . . . (1) 3
W
ALTER Musona scored at the death to continue FC Platinum’s march towards their fourth league title in a row in a five-goal Castle Lager Premier Soccer League thriller played at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
The platinum miners also handed Bosso coach Baltemar Brito a second defeat of the season and the first at Barbourfields Stadium in his 12 games so far.
Musona’s free-kick two minutes into optional time was just perfect execution, with enough force to beat goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda.
It was his second of the match as he had opened the scoring in the 26th minute from the penalty spot after referee of the day Mhaka Magare adjudged that Highlanders defender Mbongeni Ndlovu had fouled Brian Banda.
FC Platinum dominated the first half and two minutes into the second half doubled their advantage through Panashe Mutimbanyoka on the second attempt.
But Highlanders responded and Stanley Ngala pulled one back in 66th minute. The comeback was complete in the final whistle when substitute Washington Navaya’s powerful header sent the clubs’ fans into frenzy.
However, Musona had the final word.
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza described his team as a work in progress.
“It is still work in progress. We have to keep playing until the end of the season. We could have wrapped this one in the first half but in the second half they came at us. Overall, I am happy and this is one of the best games of the season, I think,” Mapeza said.
His counterpart Brito conceded defeat and declined to speak about the match officiating.
“It is hard to accept the defeat, especially after we had came back to level the scores. But, the first half did not have our face. We played a team that will soon be the champions. A draw would have been the fairer result. The three minutes were not fair for optional time. We don’t want to give excuses but we take the blame as coaches,” Brito said.
Teams
Highlanders: A Sibanda, A Mbeba, G Makaruse, M Ndlovu (W Navaya 84), P Muduhwa, N Masuku, R Lunga (L Chikuhwa 46’), D Mukuli, S Ngala, D Mhindirira, R Kutsanzira
FC Platinum: W Magalane, B Moyo, G Bello, L Mhlanga, K Mangiza, B Banda, R Pavari, J Mutudza, (H Magaya 76’), W Musona, P Mutimbanyoka, T NgwenyalFollow Fortune on Twitter @fmbele