FC Platinum in narrow win

15 Sep, 2019 - 00:09 0 Views

The Sunday Mail

Mehluli Sibanda in Bulawayo

FC Platinum………………. (1) 1

UD Songo…………………..0

ZIMBABWEAN kings FC Platinum began life without Norman Mapeza with a triumph over UD Songo of Mozambique in a Caf Champions League first round, first leg fixture at Barbourfields yesterday.

Never Tigere scored the solitary goal from a 23rd minute free-kick to ensure FC Platinum has an advantage as they head into the reverse fixture in Mozambique at the end of this month.

Despite the win by the two-time Zimbabwe champions, the Mozambicans played better for most parts of the game, especially during the second half.

Lizwe Sweswe, the man who took over from Mapeza when the former Warriors midfielder stepped down last Thursday, was content with the goal scored “against formidable opponents”.

“It was important to see how they play. The fact that we scored a goal gives us an advantage in the second leg,’’ Sweswe said.

The former Tsholotsho coach felt it would not have been easy to score more goals against the Mozambican champions.

“I think 1-0 is a win, we cannot expect to win by more than two or three goals when we are playing teams like UD Songo, they are the champions of Mozambique, so I am satisfied.”

UD Songo coach, Nacir Armando, felt that they played well in the second half and did everything to find an equalising goal.

He is confident they will be able to come out victorious in their home country and progress to the next stage.

“In the second half we played well. Our team was doing everything to score and draw the match. FC Platinum is a good team, they have good players, our lessons here were learnt and we will do our best to win the game,’’ Armando said.

Having been felled outside the box as he charged at goal, Tigere fired in the goal. He struck such a beauty that went past the visitors’ wall to beat goalkeeper Leonel Pendula on the near post.

FC Platinum wasted opportunities in the first half, with Rodwell Chinyengetere being the chief culprit.

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