By Milton Mashasha Sports Reporter.
Harare, Zimbabwe. (News of The South) – The Zimbabwean Champions FC Platinum were held to a 2-2 all draw in their Caf Champions league group B match in Soweto,South Africa on Friday night by the fighting Orlando Pirates ending their hope of qualifying to the quarterfinals.
FC thought they got it right this time around after managing to get their first goal in the 27th minute through the former ZPC Kariba attacking midfielder Never Tigere, since they began their fight in the group stage of the Caf Champions league after having played four games without recording a goal.The Platinum miners struck again in the 37th minute through Rainson Pavari to double their lead and seemingly a comfortable one heading to the match break.
The match went for a breather FC leading (2-0) two nil.
The South African giants Pirates came back a rejuvenated side in the second stanza,they salvaged a draw on the last quarter of the match.They got their goals from Lorch in the 81st minute whilst Mulenga levelled matters in the 87th minute.The Soweto giants mounted pressure to FC Platinum who became frustrated and began to play a more physical hard type of play and they were vulnerable to commit unnecessary fouls and unfortunately lady lucky was not on their side,Kelvin Moyo was then shown a red card in the 92rd of added time.
The match ended in a stalemate (2-2) all draw leaving the Zvishabane based outfit FC rooted on the bottom of the log table with a paltry 2 points whilst Pirates are now at 6 points,a point behind Horoya FC seating on second position with 7 points after a 2-0 loss to the Tunisian giants Esperance who are guaranteed for a place in the quarterfinals after amusing a massive 11 points in 5 games with only a game to spare.
It will be a war between Horoya and Pirates.The two teams will be fighting for the second spot to book a place to the quarterfinals. It will be a tough task for the visitors Pirates who will be playing away in Guinea.Pirates will be in need of nothing than an outright win to progress to the next stage but that will not be handed in a silver patter or manna from heaven there will be a fierce battle.
For the Zimbabwean Champions is now official they are out of the competition,only to fulfill their last home match against the already qualified Esperance. Its back to the drawing board for the Norman Mapeza coached side,they need to restart the formular again and fight to retain the championship title.
@lesego.
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