NGEZI PLATINUM STARS . . . . . . . .(1)3
MWOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(1)1
MWOS’ dream run in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League finally came to an end, as Ngezi Platinum Stars delivered their first defeat of the season at Baobab Stadium in Mhondoro-Ngezi, yesterday.
An Obriel Chirinda brace, coupled with a stunning Ashwin Karengesha strike, halted the league debutants’ impressive 16-match unbeaten streak.
The Norton-based side, which had been enjoying a fairytale run, surrendered the top spot on the log standings to defending champions Simba Bhora, who secured a 1-0 victory over Yadah.
MWOS now sits in second position with 34 points, one point behind Simba at the halfway stage of the season.
The match started with a bang, as Ngezi Platinum Stars, fuelled by a strong desire to break MWOS’ unbeaten run, found the net early.
Chirinda pounced on a loose ball to open the scoring in the fourth minute, after a defensive lapse following a corner. Karengesha had an opportunity to double the lead moments later, but scuffed a rebound.
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MWOS appeared rattled in the early stages and a miskick by goalkeeper Martin Mapisa almost gifted Malvin Gaki another chance.
However, a recovering defender managed to clear the danger.
Billy Veremu restored parity in the 20th minute. He nodded a high ball over the line after Arthur Banda's shot ricocheted off goalkeeper Darlington Musariranwa. This was Veremu’s 10th goal of the season, putting him level with TelOne’s Washington Navaya at the top of the goal-scoring charts.
However, Ngezi regained their lead just before the hour mark through a moment of brilliance from Karengesha.
The youngster unleashed an unstoppable rocket from outside the box, connecting first-time with a rebound from Qadr Amini’s corner. It was a truly beautiful goal, worth of winning the goal of the season.
MWOS had a penalty appeal waved away after Ngezi defender Gomezani Chirwa appeared to handle the ball inside the box.
To add to MWOS' dismay, Ngezi scored their third goal almost immediately. Chirinda completed his brace, racing to meet a Chirengesha pass on the left before lofting the ball over the badly positioned Mapisa.
A dejected MWOS coach Lloyd “Samaita” Mutasa conceded that his team was “never in there from the very start”.
He acknowledged that such a result was inevitable, but applauded his charges for an impressive run. Mutasa pointed to the absence of suspended midfielders Valentine Katsande and Tinotenda Mutyambizi as a contributory factor, stating that their absence led to the midfield being overrun throughout the match.
“If you look at our midfield, you look at the organisation, part of it wasn’t there. The solidity wasn’t there,” Mutasa remarked.
Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi expressed satisfaction with the win, thanking God and commending his players for their hard work.
"This is the right time for us to get goals. We played a very good team, coming from a very good run. It wasn't easy," Chiragwi stated.
He added that scoring three goals for the first time this season was a significant achievement for his team.
The victory for Ngezi was marred by an injury to substitute Arter Kaseke late in the game. Kaseke lasted just nine minutes after being introduced before suffering what appeared to be a dislocation to his left ankle. He was immediately rushed to the hospital in an ambulance.
The win lifts Ngezi Platinum Stars to fifth position on the log with 25 points.
Teams
Ngezi Platinum Stars: D Musariranwa, Q Amini (K Chigwida, 65'), G Chirwa, P Moyo, M Mukumba, B Katumba (A Kaseke, 76', A Ngwena, 85'), F Madhanaga, O Chirinda, T Chamboko, M Gaki, A Karengesha
MWOS: M Mapisa, T Nyabunze, C Kwangwari (T Matongorere, 68'), I Zambezi, M Murambiwa, W Mensah (G Manase, 47'), T George (J Makangira, 68'), M Mudzuka, B Veremu (S Cheya, 58'), A Banda, N Matinha (C Mapoka, 68').
