TAWANDA CHARI
HARARE – Ngezi Platinum delivered a statement victory over previously unbeaten Scottland FC, while newcomers MWOS FC surged to the top of the table. Highlanders and Dynamos both dropped points with draws.
Chigwida’s penalty ends Scottland’s perfect start
Ngezi Platinum flexed their title credentials with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Scottland FC, handing the newly promoted side their first defeat of the season. Kudzai Chigwida’s 77th-minute penalty proved decisive, as the visitors capitalized on a rare defensive lapse from Scottland.
Referee Brighton Chimene awarded the spot-kick after Frederick Botchway was adjudged to have fouled Tinashe Muvhudzi in the penalty area. Despite delaying tactics from Scottland goalkeeper Talbert Shumba, Chigwida remained composed and slotted home to break the hosts’ defensive record.
Scottland head coach Tonderayi Ndiraya acknowledged his team’s sluggish display. “We were not ourselves today. We started very slowly and struggled to create chances. I thought a draw would have been a fair result,” he said.
For Ngezi Platinum, the win marked a significant step forward after their opening-day draw with Kwekwe United and a narrow 1-0 victory over GreenFuel.
Head coach Takesure Chiragwi praised his squad’s execution, stating, “Our game plan worked. We wanted to keep possession and make them suffer without the ball, and I think we did that.”
MWOS FC claim top spot heading into the break
MWOS FC continued their impressive start to life in the top flight, securing a comfortable 2-0 win over Yadah at Baobab Stadium. Goals from Billy Vheremu and Wilson Mensah ensured that the newly promoted side remained unbeaten, moving to seven points after three matches.
However, their victory came at a cost, as Tino Mutyambizi received a red card in the first half, meaning MWOS had to navigate much of the game with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Punters controlled proceedings and now lead the standings heading into the international break.
Mapeza fumes over refereeing decisions in Chicken Inn draw
FC Platinum head coach Norman Mapeza was left frustrated after his side’s 1-1 draw against Chicken Inn, lamenting a contentious refereeing decision that denied his team a penalty.
Oscar Bhebhe appeared to be brought down inside the box by Lincoln Mangaira, but referee Mhaka Magare waved away protests.
Speaking after the match, Mapeza expressed his displeasure:
“I can’t complain about the result, but there was a situation where I think we should have gotten a penalty. We have now gone two seasons—76 games, including cup matches—without being awarded a penalty. Maybe it’s our fault, but that was a clear penalty,” he fumed.
Brian Muza had given Chicken Inn the lead in the 66th minute before Thando Ngwenya rescued a point for FC Platinum with a well-taken rebound.
Highlanders, Dynamos both stumble
Elsewhere, Highlanders squandered a two-goal lead against GreenFuel, eventually settling for a 2-2 draw in Chisumbanje. Bosso had taken a commanding first-half lead through Reason Sibanda and Prince Ndlovu, but a late rally from the hosts saw Denzel Mapuwa and Ronald Chitiyo snatch a point for GreenFuel.
Dynamos also endured a frustrating outing, drawing 1-1 with TelOne at Rufaro Stadium. The Glamour Boys benefited from an own goal by Powel Govere in the first half but failed to hold on as Washington Navaya struck in the second half to secure a share of the spoils for TelOne.
Defending champions Simba Bhora edged Herentals 1-0, while Manica Diamonds, Kwekwe United, and Caps United also secured crucial wins.
Full Matchday 3 Results:
• Dynamos 1-1 TelOne
• GreenFuel 2-2 Highlanders
• Chicken Inn 1-1 FC Platinum
• Simba Bhora 1-0 Herentals
• MWOS 2-0 Yadah
• Kwekwe United 1-0 Bikita Minerals
• Triangle United 0-2 Caps United
• Manica Diamonds 1-0 ZPC Kariba
• Scottland FC 0-1 Ngezi Platinum
Warriors set for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
With domestic action now on pause, attention shifts to international duty as the Zimbabwe Warriors prepare for crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Benin.
The break provides teams with an opportunity to reassess and regroup before league action resumes.
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