CHIREDZI - Midfielder Thabani Kamusoko scored a stoppage time equaliser to deny Moses Chunga a winning return to the Castle Premiership with his Chiredzi FC side on Saturday at Chishamiso Stadium.
Chiredzi, who played the better part of the game with 10-man after the sending off of goalkeeper Simon Kasikiri, were destined for all three points before Kamusoko’s equaliser as the match ended 1-1.
Munyaradzi Chiwara had give the home side a fairytale lead in the opening minute when he got at the end of Tapiwa Dephistara’s pass straight from the kick-off.
Chiredzi’s bright start was, however, eroded in the 38th minute when Kasikiri was sent off by referee Jimmy Makwanda after an off the ball altercation with FC Platinum winger Marshall Mudehwe.
Chunga was forced to sacrifice Abel Gwatidzo to bring in second choice keeper Claudius Makore.
Despite playing with a man down, Chiredzi held on for dear life only to be heartbroken after Kamusoko headed in Raphael Muduviwa’s corner at the death.
Chunga praised his players for the fighting spirit they showed playing the game a man down for a long period.
“I think the guys played well," said Chunga. "It's unfortunate that we conceded a late goal but it's part of the game.
“We have closed that chapter and now looking forward to our next match against Triangle next weekend.
“It was also good to watch my former player Ali Sadiki causing a lot of problems to our defence but the good thing is that we remained resolute despite being a man down."
FC Platinum coach, Lloyd Mutasa was delighted with the response from his players as they had to chase the game before getting their reward at the end.
"I think we played badly in the first half and it was not nice to concede an early goal in the manner we did," said Mutasa.
"Their players played very well and really gave a good account of themselves in the second half. I believe they have a bright future ahead of them."