MWOS FC Set for High-Stakes Showdown Against FC Platinum
The stage is set for a titanic clash as MWOS FC prepares to lock horns with FC Platinum in a crucial league encounter this Saturday at the fortress of MWOS Ngoni Stadium. Fresh off their nil all stalemate in the reverse fixture, the Punters will be eager to turn dominance into three points and keep their title charge alive.
Their last encounter was exciting. The match exploded into life from the first whistle, with both sides trading attacks in an electrifying opening. MWOS FC nearly struck first in the 2nd minute when Arthur Banda and Tafadzwa George combined brilliantly down the left, but George’s final delivery into the box lacked precision, trickling harmlessly for a goal kick. The early intensity was a sign of things to come.
FC Platinum quickly found their rhythm, launching wave after wave of attacks. In the 8th minute, Sergio Murambiwa found himself in the referee’s book for a crunching tackle, setting the tone for a physical midfield battle. Just four minutes later, Oscar Bhebhe could have put the hosts ahead, but his close-range effort whistled past the post, leaving MWOS goalkeeper Francis Tizayi breathing a sigh of relief.
The game’s first major flashpoint came in the 13th minute when Devine Mhindirira went down under pressure from Tafadzwa George in the box. The FC Platinum players screamed for a penalty, but the referee instead brandished a yellow card for simulation—a decision that left the FC Platinum fuming.
After weathering the early storm, the Punters began to assert themselves. In the 24th minute, Claude Mapoka’s exquisite diagonal ball found Nigel Matinha in space, and his cross was met by Tafadzwa George, whose cutback was desperately cleared before Billy Veremu could pounce. Moments later, Matinha’s dangerous free kick forced FC Platinum keeper David Bizabani into action as MWOS turned the screw.
The first half ended with both teams ruing missed opportunities. Valentine Katsande’s clever pass sent Veremu through in the 30th minute, but the striker’s effort was saved—only for the offside flag to spare his blushes. At the other end, Hagiazo Magaya blazed over from a distance as the teams went into the break level but far from satisfied.
FC Platinum came out swinging after the interval, testing MWOS’ resolve with two quick chances. Innocent Zambezi and Tafadzwa Nyabunze stood firm, making crucial interventions to keep the scores level. The Punters nearly broke the deadlock in the 61st minute when Matinha’s wicked cross flashed across the face of goal, begging for a finishing touch that never came.
As the clock ticked down, the tension became unbearable. Wilson Mensah almost became the hero in the 80th minute, stealing possession just outside the box, only to see his goal-bound strike blocked at the last moment. Then, in the 84th minute, FC Platinum came inches away from snatching victory when a low drive from inside the box trickled agonisingly wide.
Deep into stoppage time, FC Platinum thought they had won it. A thunderous strike from point-blank range cannoned off the crossbar, leaving the MWOS faithful in relief. The final whistle blew shortly after, with both teams sharing the spoils in a match that deserved a winner but offered endless drama instead.
MWOS head coach Lloyd Mutasa praised his team’s resilience but admitted frustration at their missed chances. “We had them on the ropes at times, but we couldn’t deliver the knockout blow,” he said. “Still, to stand toe-to-toe with a team like FC Platinum shows how far we’ve come.”
With the return leg looming on Saturday, July 19, this rivalry is far from over. One thing is certain—when these two meet again this Saturday, fireworks are guaranteed. Tickets for the game are being sold online via this link: https://ticketing.clicknpay.africa/#/my-event/703