FC PLATINUM............. (1) 1
FC HUNTERS............... (0) 1
FC Platinum and FC Hunters produced a dull performance, settling for a share of the spoils in a 1-1 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League draw at Mandava Stadium yesterday.
It was a clash between teams with a similar style of fast-passing football. FC Platinum started jitterily in the opening exchanges, while FC Hunters began in trailblazing fashion. Ronald Pfumbidzai came close early on, hitting the crossbar with a rasping effort from close range.
The Platinum Boys finally calmed their nerves around the 10th minute.
They broke the deadlock after 20 minutes when Garikai Dematsika won a penalty after being brought down in the box by Macclive Phiri.
Namibian Abram Mbakondja Tjahikika made no mistake from the spot, sending goalkeeper Moreblessing Phiri the wrong way.
That was all they required to lead at the break.
Even coach Joel Luphahla seemed to be running out of ideas as his counterpart, Nesbert Saruchera, tinkered with his squad.
The introduction of King Nadolo proved to be the turning point for FC Hunters, as he provided more impetus upfront.
Deservedly, he levelled matters for FC Hunters with a rasping shot from range, beating goalkeeper Manfred Ekoi in the 87th minute.
As has become the norm, Luphahla cut a sombre figure, conceding that a lack of concentration was his team’s Achilles heel as they have now gone four games without a win.
"To be honest, it’s very frustrating,” he said. “We started jitterily and gave them belief early on.
“We scored and should have managed the game better, but again, a lack of concentration cost us. That’s been our Achilles heel in the last four matches.
"We switch off at key moments and teams punish us. The boys have to take responsibility. We can’t keep dropping points from winning positions at home. We will go back, work hard, and make sure we correct these mistakes because the fans deserve better."
His counterpart, Nesbert Saruchera, was happy to gain a point away from home, heaping praise on King Nadolo for his goal.
"I’m very happy to take a point away from Mandava,” Saruchera said.
“It’s never easy here against a team of Platinum’s calibre. We came with a plan to play fast, to be brave, and the boys executed it.
"King Nadolo came on and gave us the impetus we needed upfront. That goal was top quality, and he fully deserves the praise. We are building something here, and to get something from this game shows character. Credit to the players for fighting until the last minute."
Yesterday's results
MWOS 1-2 Highlanders CAPS United 2-2 Triangle United Chicken Inn 0-2 Hardrock Simba Bhora 1-2 Telone ZPC Kariba 1-1 Ngezi