The Sunday Mail
Ishemunyoro Chingwere in Zvishavane
FC Platinum...................................... (1) 1
Young Africans .....................................0
FC Platinum lose 5-2 on aggregate
FC PLATINUM bowed out of the CAF Confederation Cup yesterday as their victory over Young Africans of Tanzania was not enough to overturn the massive 1-5 loss they suffered in the reverse fixture three weeks ago.
The hosts went into yesterday’s second leg encounter at Mandava needing to win by at least four clear goals for them to progress into the second round of the competition.
After a nervy opening exchange, which saw Donald Ngoma’s effort ruled out for off side, FC Platinum got the opener courtesy of a Walter Musona strike on 29 minutes.
Musona connected Allan Gahadzikwa’s cross with a left-footed shot which went in via the cross bar.
The goal ignited some hope for the home side, but Young Africans, who are perennial continental campaigners, dug into their bag of experience and slowed down the tempo while seeking to catch FC Platinum on the counter.
FC Platinum threw everything at the visitors in the second half but the Young Africans goalkeeper, Ally Mustafa Mtinge, was rarely troubled as Norman Mapeza’s men were restricted to long-range efforts.
Under fire Mapeza pleaded with the media to criticise constructively soon after the final whistle.
“We could have scored more goals today, but that is football. We will soldier on in this rough terrain.
“We are under pressure and as coaches we always work under these conditions. We have made mistakes of cause, but everybody does so. Even you, you also make mistakes at your workplace.
“But the criticism that comes our way is just too much sometimes. I think some of it is unwarranted,” said Mapeza.
Despite the big aggregate win, Young Africans’ Dutch mentor Hans van der Pluijm conceded FC Platinum gave them a good fight.
“They have some quality, especially going forward, but football is a game of chances. If you take your chances you win, and that is what we did back in Tanzania,” he said.
Teams
FC Platinum: P. Mhari, R. Muduviwa, G. Bello, A. Katebe, A. Gahadzikwa, T. Kamusoko, W. Musona, R. Sibanda, W. Kamudyariwa (N. Papias 91st), B. Muzondiwa (M. Mudehwe 56th), D. Ngoma (O. Chirwa 78th).
Young Africans: A. Mtinge, N. Ali, J. Mnyamani, O. Fanuel, M. Twite, A. Ali (K. Yondani 50th), S. Telela, H. Niyonzima, A. Tambwe, M. Ngasa, S. Msuva (D. Mrwanda 90th)
