Wesley Murove
In an exciting Midlands derby clash, FC Platinum squandered a two-goal lead as TelOne FC mounted a determined comeback to secure a 2-2 draw during the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matchday four encounter at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane on Saturday.
This result continues the trend of closely contested matches between these regional rivals, who have frequently shared points in recent seasons.
The match began explosively, with Garikai Dematsika putting FC Platinum ahead in the eighth minute.
The midfielder capitalized on a swift counter-attack initiated by Emmanuel Dogbey and finished with precision, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Just before halftime, Dematsika struck again, converting a chance from a goalmouth scramble following a corner, which gave FC Platinum a 2-1 lead going into the break.
TelOne FC responded with determination, pulling one back through Bruno Mtigo in the 17th minute.
Mtigo’s goal resulted from a well-executed team move that exploited space in the Platinum defense, temporarily leveling the scores and instilling renewed belief in the visitors.
The second half unfolded with relentless end-to-end action as both teams pressed for dominance.
TelOne FC coach Herbert Maruwa made impactful substitutions around the 54th minute, introducing Matebeck, Marvellous Chigumira, and Jerry Chipangura to gain momentum.
Further changes followed, with Nkosiyabo Masilela and Tyrone Matongorere stepping onto the pitch as TelOne pushed forward for an equalizer.
TelOne’s efforts bore fruit in the 83rd minute when Marvellous Chigumira delivered a pinpoint cross into the box.
Substitute Matebeck rose highest to head the ball home, sparking wild celebrations among traveling supporters and sealing the match at 2-2.
The draw keeps both teams in a competitive equilibrium in the Premier Soccer League standings, with both occupying mid-table positions despite struggling to collect points in recent outings.
FC Platinum, traditionally strong at home, will regret the missed opportunity, as they have managed only one win from four matches, alongside two draws and one loss.
Conversely, TelOne FC can take solace in their resilient performance on the road, having secured two points from their recent away matches.
Coach Herbert Maruwa expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, praising their fighting spirit and work ethic.
“We’re happy to get a point on the road, especially against Platinum.
The fighting spirit was there, and I’m happy with the team,” he said.
However, he also highlighted concerns regarding conceding soft goals, emphasizing the need for defensive improvements while acknowledging that the squad is beginning to gel and improve.
This derby adds another chapter to a fiercely contested rivalry, with the two teams meeting seven times, resulting in four draws, one victory for FC Platinum, and two wins for TelOne FC.
As both teams look ahead, they will seek to build on this momentum and improve their standings in the league.
