HARARE - Mitchell Katsvairo rose from the bench to score a 93rd minute winner for FC Platinum to condemn Tripple B to their third consecutive Castle Premiership defeat at their adopted home Mandava Stadium yesterday.

It was a sweet victory for the log leaders Platinum, who had failed to breach the visitors defence for the entire 90 minutes.

The platinum miners extended their lead at the top of the log with three points ahead of second placed Highlanders, who are on 16 points.

Bosso have a chance to move level on points with Platinum when they take on high flying Buffaloes at Barbourfields Stadium today.

During yesterday’s game, Tripple B have every reason to feel hard done by poor officiating from referee Thomas Mafa.

The Tripple B coach Friday Phiri was left fuming at Mafa’s after the final whistle.

“It’s unfortunate when the man in the middle seems to be ganging up with his officials against one team,” he said.

In the first half, Platinum enjoyed better position especially in the middle of the park where Winston Mhango and Thabani Kamusoko won most of the battles.

The home side’s first real chance came in the 18th minute when Tripple B goalkeeper Tapiwa Mafunga used his legs to deny Charles Sibanda, who had been set up by Ali Sadiki.

 Donald Ngoma, who has been misfiring for the platinum miners since the start of the season, got the best chance of the half after he was at the end of a short back pass to the goalkeeper by defender Ephraim Mwinga.

Ngoma however shot weakly straight at Mafunga.

In 34th minute, Sibanda watched in disbelief when his thunderbolt from outside the box hit the cross bar with Mafunga well beaten.

Tripple B first meaningful chance came just before halftime when Philip Makanje won possession wide on the right and released a ferocious shot that Platinum keeper Petros Mhari parried for a corner.

After the restart, Tripple B’s Edmore Chapfungamoyo had a chance to score but he headed over the bar after he was left unmarked inside the box.

Amani Makiwa was next to miss for the visitors after he was set up inside the box by Alick Marime but his shot went wide in the 60th minute.

With the game headed for a stalemate Platinum went on a counter attack with Elvis Moyo sending in a cross to Sibanda, who teed up Katsvairo for an easy tap in.

FC Platinum assistant coach Tendai Chikuni said: “We kept on telling the boys to continue searching for the goal because we believe that it’s over until it’s over.” - Sport Writer