Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
DEFENDING champions Scottland were held to a one-all draw by Ngezi Platinum Stars in an entertaining Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at Rufaro Stadium this Friday.
Both sides produced attractive, easy-on-the-eye football in the opening half, but clear-cut chances were hard to come by.
The hosts came closest to breaking the deadlock when Panashe Mutimbanyoka found himself with a golden opportunity, but he failed to beat the goalkeeper when it looked easier to score.
Ngezi Platinum Stars returned from the break with renewed energy and were rewarded early in the second half when Farai Madhanhanga unleashed a thunderbolt that goalkeeper Nelson Chadya failed to deal with, giving the visitors the lead.
Scottland intensified their search for an equaliser and were eventually awarded a penalty after Moses Shidolo was brought down in the box.
Walter Musona stepped up and made no mistake from the spot to restore parity for the Mabvuku-based side.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, with Scottland applying pressure while Ngezi remained resolute at the back as the match ended one-all.
Scottland coach Norman Mapeza expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance despite the dropped points.
“I am happy with the progress that we are making as a team. In some moments, our decision-making could have been better, but all the same, it is the start of the season, and I am satisfied with the progress we are making,” he said.
Ngezi coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in defending the penalty.
“We started well, but we did not defend some moments better and on the penalty, we could have done better defending it. We also felt hard done by as it was a soft penalty, maybe the referee could have been more lenient,” he said.
The PSL action continues this weekend with a full slate of fixtures:
Saturday: Simba Bhora vs FC Hunters (Wadzanayi), Chicken Inn vs Triangle (Barbourfields), MWOS vs TelOne (Ngoni Stadium), FC Platinum vs Manica Diamonds (Mandava), ZPC Kariba vs Hardrock (Nyamhunga).
Sunday: Dynamos vs Highlanders in the Battle of Zimbabwe (Rufaro Stadium), Agama vs Bulawayo Chiefs (Wadzanayi Stadium, Shamva).
