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Sports Writer, Triangle 0-1 FC Platinum

A SOLITARY goal from Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya earned defending champions FC Platinum maximum points as they edged 10-man Triangle at Gibbo Stadium in a Castle Lager Premiership match yesterday.

The match was overshadowed by Kelvin Mangiza’s serious injury and an early red card to Triangle fullback Blessing Kagudu. Kagudu and Mangiza had a nasty head collision in the 23rd minute and the latter was immediately taken to the hospital with cuts around his mouth and gums.

Masvingo-based referee Arnold Ncube gave Triangle defender Kagudu marching orders for his challenge five minutes after the injury and Triangle coach Thulani Sibanda felt the decision was the game-changing moment.

“We started slow, 10 men and I feel if we were eleven versus eleven, we could have gotten something from this game.

“On the red card incident, I felt it was 50-50, both players went up in the air but unfortunately the FC Platinum player had contact with the mouth and I wish him a speedy recovery. Of course, I am not a referee but honestly I don’t think that was a foul or a red card,” said Sibanda.

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza looked very worried after the incident as he ran straight into the field of play to monitor the situation.

“It was a good game of football but after that incident involving Mangiza until the final whistle my mind was not here. I was there, I saw the young man and I am still worried, it was bad. We won but I am worried and I hope the boy will recover quickly,” said Mapeza.

The visitors started well and created a lot of early chances but Triangle goalkeeper White Nyasoka was brilliant between the posts as he kept his team in the game.

Jarrison Selemani was a menace on the right flank and Triangle’s left back Wayne Makuva worked overtime as he failed to match Selemani’s blistering pace and wizardry.

FC Platinum midfielder Juan Mutudza could not believe his eyes when his effort from six yards was saved by Nyasoka in the 9th minute.

Triangle had a chance of their own as Migos Svinurai rose high to meet a delightful cross from Kagudu but his headed effort was blocked by Nomore Chinyerere in the 13th minute.

The platinum miners were eventually rewarded for their efforts with midfielder Thandolwenkosi tapping in an easy chance after another good move from Selemani whose final pass was difficult to miss in the 19th minute.

Both teams created good chances in the second half but FC Platinum enjoyed a fair share of possession as they capitalised from their numerical advantage and could have doubled their lead with a calculated effort from about 25 yards by substitute Misheck Ngwenya but Nyasoka tipped the ball over the bar with only five minutes remaining.

Goal scorer Ngwenya also had a glorious chance to double his tally but Nyasoka was in fantastic form as he saved a good effort following a one-on-one situation at the death as the champions collected maximum on the road.

Teams:
Triangle: White Nyasoka, Blessing Kagudu, Wayne Makuva (Tinashe Kabanda 46min), Eriya Mafirakureva, Enock Karembo, Joe Nyabinde, Lucky Ndlela, Emmaculate Mawuna, Migos Svinurai (Russell Madamombe 46min), Never Rauzhi (Robert Kwaramba 82min), Wilson Mensah (Newman Sianchali 86min)

FC Platinum: Wallace Magalane, Gift Mbweti, Kelvin Mangiza (Misheck Ngwenya 27min), Nomore Chinyerere, Juan Mutudza, Rainsome Pavari, Hagiazo Magaya, Brian Banda, Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, Tarirai Chikwende (Donald Teguru 46min), Jarrison Selemani (Perfect Chikwende 74min).