FC Platinum, Highlanders draw hoodoo continues in 1-1 stalemate at Mandava

FC Platinum and Highlanders’ draw hoodoo continued as they drew 1-1 at Mandava Stadium on Saturday. It was their 13th draw of the campaign, making them the two teams with the most draws in the PSL after 22 matches.

Oscar Bhebhe gave Pure Platinum Play the lead, before Benjamin Adeogun converted a penalty to level matters for Bosso. Both goals came in the first half.

Highlanders FC came into this one in decent form with three wins and two draws in their last five games. On the other hand, Pure Platinum Play had four draws and one defeat in the same period.

Bosso were searching for their first win at Mandava Stadium. They started on the front foot as Never Rauzhi broke loose on the wing, outpacing FC Platinum’s new man Vitam Ngaruka before cutting inside the box, but his final effort was weak.

But as they pressed for an opener, it was FC Platinum who took the lead through Oscar Bhebhe. He darted the ball home after a goalmouth scramble. His effort eluded a forest of legs and left goalkeeper Aron Ngwenya rooted to the spot after 15 minutes.

Highlanders FC players pose for a photo at Ascot stadium. Picture by Highlanders FC/Facebook

HIGHLANDERS FC ARE UNBEATEN IN SIX MATCHES

Highlanders kept prodding, and they got their breakthrough from a penalty won by Kudakwashe Mahachi, who was brought down in the box by Mbongeni Ndlovu in the 23rd minute.

Though it seemed Mahachi was in an offside position when he was fouled, referee Brighton Chimene stood by his decision after consulting with linesman Simon Marange. Benjamin Adeogun converted the penalty with ease, and the teams went into halftime level.

The second half started at a low tempo, and Bosso were first to make changes. On the hour mark, Brighton Ncube and Prince Ndlovu came on for Isaac Ngoma and Royn Nyamono.

Two minutes later, FC Platinum also made a change, bringing on Maxwell Paipi for Mcebisi Moyo. But it was FC Platinum who seized control. Isakar Gurirab missed a sitter when he was picked out unmarked in the box by Trevor Bhunu.

Talisman Mongameli Tshuma was introduced in the 70th minute. It was at that moment that Brighton Ncube found Adeogun with space and only one defender to beat, but instead of taking his time, he rushed a shot that went wide — much to the chagrin of the Bosso faithful.

New FC Platinum signing Baraka Majogoro also featured for the final 12 minutes. Simply put, there was little to write home about in the second half, and the teams settled for a share of the spoils.

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