FC PLATINUM.............(1)
HIGHLANDERS...........(0)
FC PLATINUM Coach Norman Mapeza heaved a huge sigh of relief after his men ended their winless run with a hard fought 1 - 0 over Highlanders in a Castle Lager Premier League match played at Mandava stadium yesterday.
Panashe Mutimbanyoka scored the solitary goal of the match as they reduced the gap between them and leaders Simba Bhora.
They now sit on 50 points, seven points behind Simba Bhora who have 57 points after being held to a 0-0 draw by Ngezi Platinum.
And Mapeza was happy that they managed to bounce back to winning ways after last winning on 25 August. They had gone for five matches without a win.
"Look, we are coming from a very difficult phase. Not taking anything away from Highlanders in the second half they did well," Mapeza said after the game.
"With a bit of luck, they could have scored. They had some good opportunities, but well done to my boys. I think in terms of managing the game, we were on top of the situation.
"They controlled the tempo and kept possession and gave us a huge hand. "After the last two games, of course we managed to push and get some positives."
His counterpart Kelvin Kaindu was disappointed.
He said:" It was not our day. We did everything. We got some good chances which we failed to bury.
"This was a tense match. FC Platinum were good in managing the game after scoring. It's unfortunate, but we move on to the next match."
FC Platinum started this one on an inspiring note, with Devine Mhindirira coming close after five minutes from close range but Andrew Mbeba's timely interception helped Highlanders.
Four minutes later, Lynoth Chikuhwa got some space on the edge of the box, before unleashing a powerful shot, but it only sailed over the crossbar. From then on, the hosts camped in Highlanders' half prodding for an opener.
Their pressure paid dividends on the stroke of half-time, when Mutimbanyoka slotted the ball home from close range after a counter attack.
And even with a goal down, Bosso showed a lot of urgency with the introduction of Brighton Ndlovu ultimately giving them more options in attack.
Twice in quick succession, Bosso missed good chances. In the 64th minute Never Rauzhi picked Ncube, with space in the box but the latter saw his strike go over the crossbar.
Two minutes later Ncube missed another sitter with the goalie at his mercy. And in the 75th minute Peter Muduhwa hit the target but the goal was ruled out for offside.
TEAMS
FC PLATINUM: Wallace Magalane, Lawrence Mhlanga, Mbongeni Ndlovu, Hagiazo Magaya( Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya 66'), Rainsome Pavari, Devine Mhindirira(Davison Marowa 90'), Brian Banda, Oscar Bhebhe(Polyester Shoko 90'), Panashe Mutimbanyoka, Jarrison Selemani, Wilfred Muvirimi(Shephard Mhlanga 66')
HIGHLANDERS: Ariel Sibanda, Lynoth Chikuhwa, Mckninon Mushore, Andrew Mbeba, Godfrey Makaruse, Mason Mushore, Peter Muduhwa, Arthur Ndlovu, Nqobile Ndlovu(Brighton Ncube 51'), Never Rauzhi, Melikhaya Ncube(Gillian Nyathi 75').