Ngezi Platinum compound Joel Luphahla’s woes at FC Platinum

FC Platinum coach Joel Luphahla cut a sombre figure during the post-match interviews after watching his side crumble 2-0 at the hands of Ngezi Platinum Stars at home, Mandava Stadium.

On Wednesday, Luphahla complained about his team’s lack of a cutting edge. This time he was close to tears with anger, saying his defenders lacked composure and concentration.

Striker Eddison McDonald and defender Polite Moyo scored to secure a sweet Castle Lager Premier Soccer League victory for the Mhondoro-Ngezi outfit, completing a double over FC Platinum who they beat 2-1 at home on Matchday One.

As usual, FC Platinum applied pressure from the onset with their neat pressing and passing game. But their failure to finish off moves continues to haunt them. Ngezi Platinum Stars, on the other hand, chose to sit back and hit FC Platinum on the counter.

Veteran Qadr Amini was a menace for the Zvishavane side with his terrifying runs down the left channel. Malvin Gaki forced two early saves from Raphael Pitisi inside the first 15 minutes.

For Luphahla’s outfit, McKinnon Mushore and Trevor Bhunu looked impressive, but a lack of killer instinct left their efforts toothless.

MARVELOUS MUKUMBA PROVIDED TWO ASSISTS AGAINST FC PLATINUM

Marvellous Mukumba provided two assists against FC Platinum. Picture by Ngezi Platinum Stars/Facebook

The four-time PSL champions crumbled in the 18th minute as Madamburo, spurred on by Malvin Gaki and Marvellous Mukumba, took the lead.

Eddison McDonald had the simple task of slotting the ball past Pitisi, who was left exposed. Mukumba provided the assist.

Even after the break, FC Platinum were too casual in their approach, much to the anger of Joel Luphahla.

The former Warriors winger made three changes, introducing Garikai Dematsika, Jarrison Selemani, and Ghanaian Emmanuel Dogbey for Maxwell Paipi, Hagiazo Magaya, and Mushore.

Hopes were high that they would turn the tide, but tempers were already flaring. Strength and conditioning coach Dylan Chivandire was red-carded by Ronald Chinyani for foul language.

Amid the confusion and lack of concentration, Ngezi Platinum grabbed their second goal after the hour mark, this time through defender Polite Moyo.

Moyo scored with a beautiful volley into the top corner following a neat lay-off from Marvellous Mukumba, his second assist of the day.

FC Platinum tried hard to claw back into the game, but the visitors were resolute in defence and held on to their comfortable lead. Simply put, Pure Platinum Play are walking a thin line. Their home has become an easy hunting ground for opponents.

In their last three games at home, they have picked up just one point at Mandava against Hardrock FC. They lost 1-0 to Herentals College FC a fortnight ago, and the 2-0 defeat to Ngezi Platinum Stars FC has rubbed more salt into their wounds.

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