The Sunday News
How Mine ……………………………………………………………… (0) 1
Ngezi Platinum Stars …………………………………………….. (1) 2
AN injury time strike by substitute Evans Katema propelled visiting Ngezi Platinum Stars to a crucial victory over How Mine in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie played at Luveve Stadium yesterday afternoon.
The match seemed headed for a stalemate with both teams one apiece after fourth official Tambudzayi Tawengwa had indicated three minutes additional time but Ngezi showed they were not done yet as they pounced on the How Mine’s goal and goalkeeper Donovan Bernard fumbled what should have been an easy aerial ball for him resulting in a tussle that saw Katema pushing the ball into the net to have the last say in the game.
How Mine rued a missed penalty in the fourth minute, as they went for a sixth game without a win, in a match they dominated.
The home side dominated the proceedings from the first minute and were duly rewarded with a penalty when Ngezi shot stopper Nelson Chadya brought down a charging Godfrey Nguwodzawo. Referee Martin Chivandire pointed to the spot but Qadr Amini hit the upright after taking the spot kick.
Despite creating several chances How Mine could not find the opener and it was Ngezi who shot into the lead in the 14th minute with their first chance of the game when Nelson Ketala spotted an unmarked James Nguluve who made a solo run on the left flank before beating Bernard.
How Mine brought in striker Kudakwashe Musharu in the 50th minute for Nguwodzawo and the move seemed to have paid off as three minute later he levelled the scores with a header on the near post after Tsepo Ranthokoane had flighted in a cross from the left flank.
Katema sent Ngezi’s handful of fans into a delirium with his last minute winner as he secured the side’s second consecutive victory since Tonderayi Ndiraya took over as head coach. Ndiraya was thrilled with the win saying their hard work paid off despite being on the back foot for the better part of the match.
“The win will give us confidence going forward and I am glad the hard work the boys put in paid off. The three points are crucial as we seek to get out of the relegation zone but How Mine gave us a good match, played well dominating the match but unfortunately they couldn’t find the sucker punch,” he said.
How Mine coach Kelvin Kaindu blamed his defence saying they conceded when there was no threat at all adding the visitors were able to score from the few chances they created.
Kaindu felt missing the penalty could have worked against them as his side had to chase the game after Ngezi had scored the opener in the first half.
