FC Platinum grabbed a win over Triangle United at Mandava Stadium for the first time in three years.
The reigning champions had drawn two of their last meetings, but a 2-1 victory on Saturday afternoon ended the unconvincing run, thanks to goals from Ali Sadiki and Lameck Nhamo who netted against his former club.
The game had a cagey start with both sides failing to get clear cut chances in the opening ten minutes. The visitors conceded a free-kick in the 12th minute just outside the box when Donald Dzvinyai committed a foul on Perfect Chikwende.
Sadiki stepped up and struck it on goal to put the home team in front.
Kevin Moyo could have doubled the cushion when he followed up with a telling effort towards the half-hour mark but the ball went straight to the hands of the keeper.
However, it was not going to be long for Triangle to respond as they equalised on minute 32 courtesy of Ralph Kawondera after Russel Madamombe had set him up.
United’s Collins Dhuwa and FC Platinum’s Rainsome Pavari also got chances on target before the break but were denied by the keepers.
The second period didn’t have nerve breaking moments until the 71st minute when Nhamo, who had replaced Rahman Kutsanzira earlier on, connected Sadiki’s set piece to restore FC Platinum’s lead.
The Sugar Boys tried to come back in the game in the remainder of the match but failed to secure a goal before it ended 2-1 to the hosts.
In Harare, Yadah lost their second successive game, this time to Chicken Inn who beat them 2-0.
The goals came in quick succession in the second half from Clive Agusto (57′) before Malvern Gaki doubled the lead two minutes later.
Ngezi were made to sweat for their 2-1 victory over Mushowani Stars in a match played at Baobab Stadium.
Madamburo had a frustrating first half where they went to the break trailing 1-0. Crybert Muvuti had given the visitors an advantage as early as in the 2nd minute.
Ngezi restored parity in the second half through James Nguluve in the 58th minute and got into the lead on minute 65 courtesy of Donald Teguru’s well-taken strike.
Elsewhere, ZPC Kariba edged out Herentals 1-0, thanks to goalkeeper Takabva Mawaya’s 82nd-minute goal from the spot. TelOne got their first win of the season by beating Bulawayo Chiefs 1-0.
Tafadzwa Sibanda who was with Highlanders last year scored the solitary strike in the 76th minute.
Chiefs, meanwhile, have now conceded six goals in the opening games of the campaign.
Results:
FC Platinum 2-1 Triangle United
Yadah 0-2 Chicken Inn
Ngezi Platinum 2-1 Mushowani Stars
ZPC Kariba 1-0 Herentals
Bulawayo Chiefs 0-1 TelOne
