FC Platinum-TelOne Midlands Derby Ends In Stalemate

Zvishavane - TelOne FC came from behind twice to secure a 2–2 draw against FC Platinum in a Midlands derby Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) matchday four encounter at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane on Saturday, March 21.

The result extended a pattern of tight encounters between the regional rivals, who have frequently split points in recent seasons.

Garikai Dematsika opened the scoring for FC Platinum in the eighth minute, capitalising on a swift counter-attack initiated by Emmanuel Dogbey and finished with precision.

The midfielder struck again just before the interval, converting from a goalmouth scramble following a corner, sending the home side into the break with a 2-1 lead.

TelOne FC had pulled one back through Bruno Mtigo in the 17th minute.

Mtigo's goal came from a well-worked move that exploited space in the Platinum defence, levelling the scores temporarily and injecting renewed belief into claiming regional bragging rights.

The second half followed a similar script of end-to-end action.

TelOne FC coach Herbert Maruwa made three substitutions around the 54th minute, introducing Matebeck, Marvellous Chigumira and Jerry Chipangura in a bid to seize control of the game.

Further changes followed, with Nkosiyabo Masilela and Tyrone Matongorere entering the fray as the visitors pushed forward.

TelOne's persistence paid off in the 83rd minute when Marvellous Chigumira delivered a pinpoint cross into the box and substitute Matebeck rose highest to head home the equaliser, followed by wild celebrations among the handful travelling supporters.

The match ended 2-2.

The draw maintains the competitive balance in the Premier Soccer League standings, where both sides continue their mid-table campaigns despite collecting few points from their outings so far.

FC Platinum, traditionally strong at home, will rue the lost points as the Joel Luphahla-led side has only won once in four matches, drawing twice and losing once.

TelOne FC, on the other hand, can take heart from their resilience on the road, collecting two points so far after another draw away at Ngoni Stadium against MWOS FC on PSL matchday two, but will need to up their game at their home ground, Ascot Stadium, after losing to Dynamos and Simba Bhora.

TelOne FC coach Herbert Maruwa said he was satisfied with his team’s performance and the point collected away from home against FC Platinum, praising his players’ fighting spirit and work rate.

“We’re happy getting a point on the road, especially playing against Platinum. The fighting spirit was there and I’m happy with the team,” Maruwa said.

He, however, expressed concern over his side conceding soft goals and said the team would work on improving defensively, while noting that the squad was beginning to gel and moving in the right direction.

The derby marks the latest chapter in a closely contested rivalry, with the teams having met seven times now, resulting in four draws, one win for FC Platinum and two for TelOne FC.

On a broader matchday four slate in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League on Saturday, Caps United maintained their unbeaten run after securing a 2-0 victory over PSL newcomers, Hardrock FC at Rufaro Stadium, while Simba Bhora and Highlanders played out a goalless draw at Wadzanayi Stadium and Chicken Inn were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Ngezi Platinum Stars at Barbourfields Stadium.

On Sunday, March 22, MWOS FC take on PSL returnees Bulawayo Chiefs at Ngoni Stadium; Scottland FC take on newcomers FC Hunters at Rufaro Stadium, ZPC Kariba face off with Manica Diamonds at Nyamhunga Stadium and the other PSL newbies Agama FC battle with Dynamos FC at Wadzanayi Stadium.

On Monday, Herentals College clashes with Triangle FC at Rufaro Stadium.