Chicken Inn end Ngezi’s unbeaten start, Highlanders draw again

By Sports Reporter

LEADERS Ngezi Platinum Stars suffered their first loss of the 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season following a 2-0 loss against Chicken Inn at Luveve on Saturday.

Despite their loss, the Mhondoro-based side retained their position at the top of the log after Highlanders failed to capitalise following a 1-1 draw against Cranborne Bullets at the NationalSports Stadium.

Ngezi went into this weekend’s fixtures without a defeat after the opening nine matches of the season.

However, their brilliant run was finally brought to an end by Chicken Inn, who scored two first-half goals through Brian Muza and Marvlin Whata.

The result means Ngezi retained their position at top of the log only due to a superior goal difference than Highlanders. Both teams are on 17 points although Bosso have played a game less than Ngezi.

Highlanders had an opportunity to move to the top of the log but were frustrated by Cranborne Bullets as they settled for their third successive draw following goalless stalemates against Simba Bhora and Sheasham.

The Bulawayo giants fell behind in the first half when defender Mbongeni Ndlovu handled the ball inside the box, resulting in Cranborne Bullets being awarded a penalty which was converted bt Tapiwa Charakupa.

Highlanders FC were awarded a penalty 10 minutes later after a Cranborne Bullets player handled inside the box.

Captain Ariel Sibanda stepped up and scored. This was Amahlolanyama’s second draw in a row in as many weeks after last week’s nil all stalemate against Simba Bhora at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.

Meanwhile in other matches played on Saturday defending champions FC Platinum finally ended their five match winless run with a 1-0 win against ZPC Kariba at Mandava through a first-half goal from Walter Musona.

Newboys Green Fuel secured only their second win of the campaign following a 1-0 win against Black Rhinos at Gibbo Stadium.

The action continues on Sunday with Harare giants Dynamos FC hosting inform Manica Diamonds at the National Sports Stadium while Hwange FC take on Triangle at the Colliery Stadium.

Uncertainty surrounds Seasham’s clash against Caps United after the Gweru-based side requested for a last-minute postponement of their match after being ordered by the PSL not to use Bata Stadium, its home ground until renovations are completed.

On Monday, Simba Bhora host Bulawayo Chiefs FC at the National Sports Stadium.