Ngezi maintains fine run

Ngezi Platinum Stars (fc) —(1)2
ZPC Kariba (fc)—-(1)1

*Innocent Muchochomi in Mhondoro*

Ngezi Platinum Stars’ Marvellous Mukumba scored a decisive goal in a midweek match against ZPC Kariba at Baobab Stadium in Mhondoro Ngezi, keeping their unbeaten record intact.

As the game appeared to be headed for a 1-1 draw, Mukumba capitalised on a moment of chaos, slipping past defenders to secure the win for Ngezi against a 10-man ZPC Kariba

Ngezi took the lead in the 8th minute with a header from Tinotenda Murasiranwa, but visiting ZPC equalised four minutes later through Kelvi Gwao.

The entertaining match swung to both ends until halftime.

Ngezi however gained control after ZPC Kariba defender Kuzivakwashe Madima was sent off for a reckless challenge on Brooklyn Katumba in the 37th minute

ZPC Kariba coach Newman Mashipe acknowledged that being down by a man had an impact on the outcome.

“We were going pound for pound but once we became a man short, it turned the game in their favour.”

While Mashipe was not happy with the defeat, Ngezi coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva applauded his boys for another sterling performance.

“I’m quite happy with how the boys persevered to break an otherwise solid ZPC Kariba defence.”

“Our opponents came in the second half to defend and settle for a draw, but we kept on probing patiently and we got rewarded when Marvellous ghosted to power home a rebound in the dying stages,” Muti said

Mukumba, who has now scored three goals this season credited the win to his team’s effort

“I’m happy we have won. It’s not about individual brilliance but playing as a team,” said Mukumba.