NGEZI PLATINUM STARS . . . (1) 1
MANICA DIAMONDS . . . . . . .(0) 0
NGEZI Platinum Stars returned to winning ways yesterday, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over struggling Manica Diamonds at Baobab Stadium.
A first-half strike from Farai Madhanhanga proved enough to separate the two sides and reignite the hosts’ title charge.
The victory is a significant boost for Ngezi Platinum Stars, who remain the only unbeaten side in the league.
The three points lifted them into third place with 20 points from 10 matches, just two points behind leaders Caps United (22 points) and one behind second-placed Hardrock (21 points).
Coming into the fixture on the back of three consecutive draws — two at their usually formidable home ground — Ngezi Platinum Stars were eager to rediscover their edge. The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when Manica Diamonds failed to clear their lines, allowing Farai Madhanhanga to react quickest and bundle the ball home from close range.
Manica Diamonds struggled to create meaningful chances for much of the first half, while Ngezi Platinum Stars looked more likely to extend their lead but lacked the clinical edge to kill off the game early.
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The Gem Boys emerged with more intent after the break, with Anelka Chivandire twice going close to restoring parity — first forcing a sharp save from Marion Chang, then heading narrowly over from a teasing cross.
At the other end, Manica Diamonds goalkeeper Geoffrey Chitsumba kept his side in the contest with a series of fine saves. He denied Tanaka Munemo from close range with half an hour left and later tipped Marvelous Mukumba’s stinging long-range effort around the post.
Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva was pleased to end the winless run.
“Today’s win is a real rejuvenation for the team. Coming from three consecutive draws was unhealthy for us and we were starting to lose confidence. It was a difficult game, especially against a former coach who understands everything here. I’m proud of the boys’ resilience and the fighting spirit they showed. This win will give us the confidence we need moving forward,” he said.
Manica Diamonds coach Klifton Kadurira felt his side lost to a preventable goal.
“It was a balanced match, although Ngezi dominated the first half. We conceded a goal we should have defended better. We played well in the second half but couldn’t score. Fitness is an area we must improve — in the last 10 minutes we tend to collapse and allow opponents to attack us,” he said.
With the draw streak finally broken, Ngezi Platinum Stars have sent a clear message to the rest of the league.
Their defensive solidity and unbeaten record make them a serious threat to the teams above them.
PSL RESULTS
Chicken Inn 2 - 1 Dynamos; Scottland 1 - 2 Simba Bhora; Triangle 1 - 2 TelOne
