HARARE - Joel “Josta” Ngodzo scored a spectacular last- minute goal to give FC Platinum a 1-0 win over Hwange in a drama-field match at Mandava Stadium yesterday.

Outside the pitch, Hwange player Tongai Mamina was assaulted by overzealous FC Platinum marshals when he wanted to go back into the dressing room.

The Platinum marshals believed Mamina wanted to go back to get juju — a belief that is mostly synonymous with mine teams.

Hwange coach Nation Dube was lucky not to be sent off after he clashed with the assistant referee when remonstrating against a decision that went against his team.

Away from the drama, Platinum had a better share of possession, relying on build-ups going forward.

Ali Sadiki, Donald Ngoma and Welcome Ndiweni also came close but were let down by the final touch.

Platinum coach Tendai Chikuni made a double substitution in the 55th minute bringing in Joel Ngodzo for Charles Sibanda and Mitchell Katsvairo for Lewis Matawu but the substitution needed a last-minute strike from Ngodzo to show that it was a masterstroke.

Platinum won the ball in the opponent’s half and Sadiki squared to Ngodzo who was lurking just outside the box.

Ngodzo unleashed a spectacular rising shot that saw Platinum breaking the jinx that had seen them fail to collect maximum points at home in league matches.

The win was also sweet as they managed to move level on 43 points with their noisy-neighbours Shabanie Mine.

The Chinda Boys however, are on top of them in sixth place owing to superior goal difference.

Platinum last won at home against Buffaloes in mid-September beating the soldiers 1-0. - Sports Writer