HOW MINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 FC PLATINUM . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table toppers FC Platinum rode their luck to escape with a point following a second half siege by hosts How Mine in an exciting match played at Luveve Stadium yesterday.
BY FORTUNE MBELE
After the match, FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza admitted they had come out with “a golden point”, considering that his side was pinned for most of the second half. With the result, they maintained top position and an unbeaten run this season after eight matches.
How Mine felt that they had dropped two points in a match where Toto Banda’s celebrations in the 60th minute were cut short by assistant referee Faith Mloyi, who spotted an infringement on FC Platinum goalkeeper Petros Mhari prior to the ball hitting the back of the net.
The hosts also had a penalty shot turned down by referee Allen Bhasvi after Godfrey Nguwodzawo tumbled in the penalty area moments before the final whistle.
No matter how How Mine coach Kelvin Kaindu tried to be diplomatic about it, it was evident from his comments that he was frustrated that his side had not been given the penalty and that the goal had not stood.
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“It’s difficult from the angle where we were. It’s always difficult to score in Africa. In Europe those (goals) are given because the player is coming from the deep,” he said about Toto’s disallowed effort. “I don’t know! Maybe the assistant referee was in a better place. We had what looked like a penalty, but it was not given.The referee is the boss on the field and he has to make a decision within a minute.
“I think we have lost two points looking at the way we played today.”
He said he would have wanted to see his side closing the gap on the leaders which stayed on eight points after yesterday’s result.
Mapeza was happy with a point away from home conceding the gold miners played better, especially in the second half.
“It was a game of two halves. In the first half, we did well and we created some decent chances,” he said.
“But in the second half, How Mine were all over us; I have to be honest. We had some good chances, but at the end of the day for me it’s a golden point. At least we are still maintaining our unbeaten record.”
While How Mine were left accusing themselves for not winning the match, FC Platinum will go back thinking they should have taken advantage of first half dominance which might have won them the full marks had the finishing been up to scratch.
Rodwell Chinyengetere could have scored for Platinum in the 23rd minute while Charles Sibanda should have also thrust his side ahead after the restart.
FC Platinum were under pressure in the second half, but Walter Musona got an opportunity 15 minutes before the end and chose to shoot wide.
