FC Platinum 0-1 Horoya AC
BULAWAYO – FC Platinum failed to score for a third straight game in the CAF Champions League at Barbourfields on Saturday, and now face an uphill battle to qualify from Group B.
Norman Mapeza’s goal-shy side were narrowly edged 1-0 by the Guinea champions Horoya AC.
Platinum, who dropped to the bottom of their group, pushed for an early goal with Kelvin Mazdongwe looking lively early on.
Horoya were solid and compact at the back and the hosts were forced to try their luck from range.
Madzongwe unleashed two long-range shots which missed the target as the visitors frustrated the Platinum attackers.
Horoya were able to contain Platinum until Algerian match referee Mustapha Ghorbal blew the halftime whistle.
The visitors were awarded a penalty a few minutes after the restart. Marius Assoko stepped up and beat Platinum goalkeeper Petros Mhari to make it 1-0 to Horoya in the 51st minute.
Attack-minded player Lameck Nhamo was then introduced by the hosts as the Platinum looked to level matters.
Both teams launched attacks in the dying minutes of the match as they searched for late goals.
However, they could not score and ultimately, Horoya were worth their win.
In the other Group B fixture, South Africa’s Orlando Pirates drew 0-0 at home to Tunisian champions Esperance.
Halfway through the group games, Pirates are top on goal difference with five points, the same number as Esperance. Horoya are third with three points with Platinum anchoring the group with a point.
Platinum: Mhari, Bello, Stima, Moyo, Muduviwa, Mbweti (Sadiki 72′), Madhanaga, Madzongwe, Taitamba (Nhamo 58′), Sibanda (Eonde 78′), Kutsanzira.
Horoya: N’diaye, Asante, Asoko, Camara, Yakubu, Paye, Mohamed, Baffour, Haba (Keita 89′), Mandela (A.Camara 85′), Sakin (Nikiema 73′)
