FC PLATINUM...............(1)1
HIGHLANDERS FC........(1)1
FC Platinum’s struggles for a win continued as they settled for a 1-1 draw with Highlanders FC in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at Mandava Stadium yesterday.
The result means both teams now have 13 draws after 22 PSL matches — the most in the league. Oscar Bhebhe put the home side ahead in the 15th minute after a goalmouth scramble, but Highlanders hit back eight minutes later.
Kudakwashe Mahachi was brought down by Mbongeni Ndlovu in the box and Benjamin Adeogun made no mistake from the spot. Bosso started brightly and Never Rauzhi gave new Platinum defender Vitam Ngaruka a torrid time early on, but his final ball let him down.
FC Platinum should have retaken the lead in the second half when Isakar Gurirab missed an open chance from Trevor Bhunu’s cross.
Highlanders also had their moments. Substitute Brighton Ncube picked out Adeogun with space to run into on 70 minutes, but the striker rushed his shot wide.
Highlanders remain unbeaten in six matches with three wins and three draws. Pure Platinum Play, meanwhile, have now drawn five of their last six games.
A frustrated FC Platinum coach Joel Luphahla rued missed opportunities at home.
“We are disappointed with the result. This is home and we should be winning these kinds of games. Mandava has been good to us this season and we failed to use that advantage today.
"We had chances, especially in the second half, but our final ball and finishing let us down. One point is not what we wanted,” Luphahla said.
Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari was happier with the outcome away from home.
“I thought the boys played well. We controlled possession, we rotated the ball nicely and we created a few chances. Coming to Mandava and getting a point is a positive for us. It’s always tough here, so we take it and move on. The most important thing is we keep building,” Mwaruwari said.