FC Platinum, Sheasham in key wins

adzwa Mashiri also admitted that they had fluffed their lines in the opening period.

“I would like to give credit to my players for a vintage performance, especially in the first half, where we created numerous goal-scoring opportunities,” Mashiri said.

“We should have buried the chances that came our way and wrapped up the match in that moment.”

Manica Diamonds remain second on the log standings with 50 points, seven adrift of leaders Ngezi Platinum, who could stretch it to 10 with a victory at Hwange today.

For Sheasham, the victory boosted their chances of survival as they moved out of the drop zone to 13th on the log standings with 34 points.

Their coach, Lizwe Sweswe, hailed his charges’ character but admits there is still a long way to go before their safety is guaranteed.

“It is a good result for us but there is still a long way to go,” he said.

“We talked about this with the boys; we need to do our best and get the most out of our last five games. Scoring two goals at home is a morale-booster, especially considering that we had not scored in our last games . . . we hope we can keep fighting.”

The hosts got off to a perfect start in the second half when they were awarded a penalty in the 54th minute after Liberty Masveure was hacked down in the box.

Bakacheza made no mistake from the spot, sending Manica Diamonds goalkeeper Tadious Baye the wrong way.

The Construction Boys increased their tally seven minutes later, with Jani ghosting in from the blind side to easily tap home Physiwell Madhazi’s pin-point cross.

Things got worse for the visitors after assistant coach Patrick Mandizha was sent off.

Close to the end of the match, the Manica Diamonds technical department stormed off and went back to their dressing room.