HERENTALS. . . . . . . . . .(0) 0
NGEZI PLATINUM. . . . (0) 1
IT was supposed to be a day of celebration for the ageless wonder of Zimbabwean football, but Ngezi Platinum Stars clearly hadn’t read the script.
The former champions turned party poopers at Rufaro Stadium yesterday, securing a narrow 1-0 victory to dampen the spirits of Herentals FC veteran Innocent Benza.
Before kickoff, the atmosphere was thick with respect as the 54-year-old Benza — the oldest active player in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League — was honoured for reaching 200 PSL appearances.
Flanked by teammates and officials, Benza was presented with a framed jersey inscribed with the number 200, marking a staggering level of longevity in a demanding sport. However, once the whistle blew, the sentimentality ended.
The first half was a cagey affair that offered little for the highlight reel, save for a moment of controversy. Ngezi Platinum thought they had snatched the lead through an own goal, only for the celebrations to be cut short by an offside flag.
The game turned on its head shortly after the interval. Just three minutes into the second half, Marvelous Mukumba broke the deadlock. The goal was manufactured by substitute Orlando Zvavarevi, who had replaced the injured Tinotenda Murasiranwa in the first half.
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Zvavarevi’s industrious work down the left flank ended in a perfect square ball for Mukumba to slot home.
It was Mukumba's fourth goal of the season.
Seeking fresh legs and an equaliser, Herentals replaced the man of the hour, Benza, with McMillan Chigora early in the second half. Moments later, Ngezi’s Ashwin Karengesha nearly doubled the lead with a stinging drive, but Herentals' goalkeeper Tinotenda Takarinda produced a brilliant save to tip the ball around the post.
In the dying moments, Chigora had a golden opportunity to rescue a point for the Students, but he blazed his effort over the bar from point-blank range.
The victory was particularly sweet for Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva, who has a personal history with the opposition.
"I think it's a sweet victory for me... playing against former masters. Herentals have been a bogey side for Ngezi for some time, but we wanted to rewrite the history today. This was our mission."
On the other side, Herentals coach Paul Benza was left ruing what could have been.
"Today I cry over missed chances. In the first half, I feel we could have won the game because we created a lot of chances. If we had just converted one, it could have changed the complexion of the game."
With this result, Ngezi Platinum Stars have firmly thrust themselves back into the title conversation. They move into third place, level on 14 points with second-placed Dynamos and trailing league leaders Caps United by a point.
While the day belonged to Innocent Benza’s incredible legacy, the points went to the former champions, who once again proved they can grind out results when it matters most.
