MANICA DIAMONDS . . (0) 1
FC PLATINUM . . . . . . . . . . . 0
GOOD times continue to roll for Manica Diamonds after they recorded yet another victory in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, this time dispatching FC Platinum at Sakubva Stadium yesterday.
Manica Diamonds who started the season on a dreadful note seem to have struck the right chord.
They have now gone five matches unbeaten as they surge up the league table.
On the other hand, the moral sapping result has piled more pressure on FC Platinum coach, Norman Mapeza, whose team have hit hard times.
Super sub Micheal Tapera Micheal Tapera scored on the stroke of full time when he unleashed a thunderbolt from a rebound following a corner kick.
Manica Diamonds substitute Kudzai Dhemere flighted a corner kick, which was headed away by Lawrence Mhlanga, but the clearance was hammered first time by Tapera beating Wallace Magarane in goals for FC Platinum.
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The goal torched wild celebrations from home team supporters. Tapera has discovered the scoring formula that has seen him scoring vital goals for his team.
In the earlier stages of the match the Gem Boys, had attempts at goal from Fortune Binzi and Gerald Bhero but saw their efforts saved by Magalane.
Referee Patrick Kalota who had a bad day in the office surprised many when he waved play on when a goal bound Binzi was hacked down by Mbongeni Ndlovi in the 39th minute.
In the second half the tempo of the game upped with both teams showing a hunger for goals. FC Platinum were more determined and controlled the game but found the Gem Boys' defense well marshalled by impressive Farai Banda and Tawanda Chisi unforgiving.
In 82nd minute controversial Kalota denied Gem Boys a clear penalty when Mhlanga handled in the box, but he waved play on.
During the course of the match Kalota made dubious decisions against Manica Diamonds much to the chagrin of the players and supporters.
The introduction of Tapera, Dhemere and Panashe Mutasa in the second half changed the complexion of the game as the team had more impetus.
FC Platinum are a pale shadow of the team that dominated the league a couple of years back, need to start picking up posts to appease their restless fans.
Manica Diamonds coach Jairosi Tapera said he was happy with the win.
“We played a very good team. We were knocking the ball around and they were good at defending," he said.
"However we continued pressing until we got a goal. I am happy for my boys as they continued exerting more pressure resulting in the goal.”
Mapeza was disappointed that his strike force failed to convert chances into goals.
“The defence failed to clear that corner kick and it resulted in a goal. We dominated the game, but failed to score. This is an area where we are need to improve on. This is a game of football where you sometimes win and sometimes draw,” Mapeza said.
“It was a tough match as we played a very good team. Congratulations to them as they are playing good football,” added Mapeza.
