FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1) 2
How Mine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0) 1
MIDFIELDER Walter Musona marked his return to FC Platinum with a goal while Winston Mhango converted a first half penalty as the home side powered their way into the semi finals of ZNA Charity Shield at Mandava yesterday.
Toto Banda, who made a name as a match winning substitute for Chicken Inn last season, scored for How Mine.
FC Platinum surged into the lead when Victor Kamhuka hacked down Brian Muzondiwa in the 20th minute to leave.
Gutu based referee Arnold Ncube, who was close to the incident, had no option but to point to the spot.
Mhango, the stand in captain in the absence of Petros Mhari, took responsibility and sent Munyaradzi Diya the wrong way.
Two minutes after the breather, Muzondiwa sent through a defence splitting pass that beat Kamhuka and the onrushing Musona had the easiest task of beating a drawn out Diya.
Chasing the game, How Mine coach Kelvin Kaindu introduced Fungai Chirinda and Tsepho Ranthokoane for Tawanda Muparati and Thembani Masuku.
The substitution paid dividends as the gold miners began to exert pressure that saw Banda reacting quick to a cross by Kudakwashe Musharu to beat Wallace Magalane in goals for the hosts.
Despite the defeat, Kaindu was impressed by his men.
“This is the third game we have played and I am impressed with the way that my boys are adapting to how I want them to play. It was unfortunate that we made a defensive mistake.
“We created chances in the second half and with little a bit of luck, we could have won. We dominated play in the second half and I was happy to see players displaying what we are coaching them,” said Kaindu.
Patrick Mandizha, who stood in for a bereaved Norman Mapeza, welcomed the result.
“We are not yet there in terms of endurance but I am happy with the play displayed. We are in the right direction. We can’t expect much from the guys but we are looking for a better performance in the next game,” he said.
Teams
Platinum: W Magalane, I Nekati,G Bello, K Moyo, R Sibanda,W Mhango,H Bakacheza(R Chinyengetere 81st ),T Dzumbunu,N Masuku,W Musona,B
Muzondiwa(T Rukanda 70th )
How Mine:T Diya, P Tonha, K Musharu, T Banda, T Masuku, V Kamhuka,T Muparati(F Chirinda 48th ),Q Amin, M Machazani, T Ranthokoane(H Masuku
48th ), C Sibanda(G Nguwodzawo 84th)