BY KENNETH NYANGANI

Manica Diamonds. . . . . . . . . . . . (0)

FC Platinum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)

Yesterday Manica Diamonds and FC Platinum played each other to a stalemate at a waterlogged Sakubva Stadium in their Castle Lager Premier League clash yesterday.

Both teams struggled in the conditions after heavy rains hit the eastern border town over the past two days.

Yesterday, Manica Diamonds coach Johhannes Nhumwa blamed the pitch for his team’s failure to pick up maximum points.

“We were affected by the waterlogged pitch, we created chances, but the waterlogged pitch was our main concern,” he said.

Norman Mapeza said they weren’t going to pressure themselves to retain the championship, saying they were in transition.

He also observed that his team missed chances in the game.

“In the first half we created chances, the same thing in the second half, the same thing we did against Ngezi Platinum, we hit the crossbar and we had a ball that went over the line,” did he declare.

“We were above Manica Diamonds, we only need a win and the results will come, we are in a transition, we will push for the championship but we will not put ourselves under pressure,” he said. he declares.

FC Platinum was the most dominant team in the first half.

Gift Mbweti missed the target with a few centimeters in the 9th minute, Manica Diamonds goalkeeper Ashley with Reyners at six and seven.

The home side won a free kick in the 23rd minute just outside the opposition, but defender Liberty Chakoroma’s shot was saved by Petros Mhari.

FC Platinum came close to being rewarded just two minutes after the break after Donald Teguru hit the crossbar.

Two minutes later, Petros Mhari produced a man of the match save by denying Collin Dhuwa a superb save.

Wisdom Mutasa fired inside the box after being placed by Blessing Moyo in the 70th minute.

FC Platinum mesmerized the Sakubva supporters with some fine passes in the last 20 minutes of the match and the home side were lucky to survive the late onslaught.

Nyasha Chintuli failed to beat Mhari in a one-on-one with Mhari in the 80th minute.

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