Sports / Soccer
Bulawayo City down Ngezi
26 May 2016 at 07:49hrs | Views
Bulawayo City 1 - 0 Ngezi Platinum
BULAWAYO City picked up their second win of the season, beating visitors Ngezi Platinum 1-0 in a drab Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match that offered little value for money for the few spectators that braved the cold weather to make it to Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
So unconvincing was the match that Ngezi Platinum managed a single shot on target in the closing stages of the first half when captain Innocent Sokosi's header was parried for a corner by Bulawayo City goalkeeper Liberty Chirava.
The set piece was, however, not taken as referee Thembinkosi Sibanda opted to end the game for the first stanza.
The only goal of the match came after 37 minutes of play courtesy of Fungai Nkhulungo who tapped in a loose ball that had been punched by Ngezi Platinum goalkeeper Blessing Mwandimutsira from an initial shot by Bulawayo City midfielder Innocent Kutsanzira.
Since drawing one all with Chapungu in Gweru last weekend, Ngezi Platinum, who had been camped in Bulawayo ahead of the Bulawayo City match, resorted to long balls that barely threatened the hosts' backline.
In a rather strange move, Bulawayo City coach Philani Ncube opted to withdraw striker Mkhokheli Dube for midfielder Mthulisi Maphosa in the 62nd minute.
The former Bosso strongman quickly assumed the role of anchorman leaving a lone striker upfront in a match where Ngezi Platinum offered no sign of hunger for an equaliser let alone winning the game.
"We could have scored perhaps three or four goals but we've to accept the result we got today. Our target of a top eight finish at the end of the season is still well within reach," said Ncube.
Ngezi Platinum assistant coach Joseph Takaringofa appeared not amused with referee Sibanda's officiating.
"We believe fair play should be applied in all the matches but the officiating today leaves a lot to be desired. All the decisions appeared to favour the home team," said Takaringofa.
His sentiments explained why head coach Klifton Kadurira ignored calls for a post match interview from members of the media.
Teams
Bulawayo City: Liberty Chirava, Lewis Ncube, Brighton Dube, Zibusiso Sibanda, Imnnocent Kutsanzira, Xolisani Moyo, Sipho Ndlovu, Makhosi Ncube (Mkhululi Moyo 35 minutes) , Fungai Eddie Nkhulungo (M Kadzola 50 minutes), Mkhokheli Dube (Mthulisi Maphosa 62 minutes)
Ngezi Platinum: Blessing Mwandimutsira, Keith Murera, Petro Titus, Liberty Chakoroma, Knowledge Machona, Takunda Jerry, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Innocent Sokosi (Talent Chamboko 54 minutes), Tichaona Mabvura (James Ngulube), Evans Katema, Donald Teguru
BULAWAYO City picked up their second win of the season, beating visitors Ngezi Platinum 1-0 in a drab Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match that offered little value for money for the few spectators that braved the cold weather to make it to Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
So unconvincing was the match that Ngezi Platinum managed a single shot on target in the closing stages of the first half when captain Innocent Sokosi's header was parried for a corner by Bulawayo City goalkeeper Liberty Chirava.
The set piece was, however, not taken as referee Thembinkosi Sibanda opted to end the game for the first stanza.
The only goal of the match came after 37 minutes of play courtesy of Fungai Nkhulungo who tapped in a loose ball that had been punched by Ngezi Platinum goalkeeper Blessing Mwandimutsira from an initial shot by Bulawayo City midfielder Innocent Kutsanzira.
Since drawing one all with Chapungu in Gweru last weekend, Ngezi Platinum, who had been camped in Bulawayo ahead of the Bulawayo City match, resorted to long balls that barely threatened the hosts' backline.
In a rather strange move, Bulawayo City coach Philani Ncube opted to withdraw striker Mkhokheli Dube for midfielder Mthulisi Maphosa in the 62nd minute.
"We could have scored perhaps three or four goals but we've to accept the result we got today. Our target of a top eight finish at the end of the season is still well within reach," said Ncube.
Ngezi Platinum assistant coach Joseph Takaringofa appeared not amused with referee Sibanda's officiating.
"We believe fair play should be applied in all the matches but the officiating today leaves a lot to be desired. All the decisions appeared to favour the home team," said Takaringofa.
His sentiments explained why head coach Klifton Kadurira ignored calls for a post match interview from members of the media.
Teams
Bulawayo City: Liberty Chirava, Lewis Ncube, Brighton Dube, Zibusiso Sibanda, Imnnocent Kutsanzira, Xolisani Moyo, Sipho Ndlovu, Makhosi Ncube (Mkhululi Moyo 35 minutes) , Fungai Eddie Nkhulungo (M Kadzola 50 minutes), Mkhokheli Dube (Mthulisi Maphosa 62 minutes)
Ngezi Platinum: Blessing Mwandimutsira, Keith Murera, Petro Titus, Liberty Chakoroma, Knowledge Machona, Takunda Jerry, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Innocent Sokosi (Talent Chamboko 54 minutes), Tichaona Mabvura (James Ngulube), Evans Katema, Donald Teguru
Source - chronicle
