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Dynamos, Platinum win to take title race to the wire

Ocean Mushure takes to the field for Dynamos Supplied

Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League log leaders FC Platinum took a decisive step towards a first league title after coming from behind to dispatch Ngezi Platinum 2-1 in a top-of-the-table clash at Mandava Stadium.

However, second-placed Dynamos' 3-2 away win over Bantu Rovers means the title race will go to the wire.

Saturday's results ended Ngezi's title hopes after a brave campaign, and only Dynamos still retain a chance of overhauling Platinum going into the final matchday of the season.

Platinum are now on 69 points, two ahead of Dynamos, whose superior goal difference mean they can still bag the title with victory in their final encounter against Chicken Inn if Norman Mapeza's men drop points away to Chapungu.

At Mandava on Saturday, Platinum were up against it playing a side possessing arguably the most lethal forward line in the league.

Mapeza must have feared the worst when Michael Charamba put the visitors ahead on 25 minutes.

Ngezi dominated play for much of the first-half but Platinum forced an equaliser just before the break with defender Kevin Moyo heading home an Ali Sadiki corner.

Midfielder Rodwell Chinyengetere then netted the winner with his eighth of the season midway through the second half to ensure Platinum go into the last round of matches in complete control of their destiny.

The Zvishavane-based Miners need only win away to Chapungu to be certain of a maiden title, which has eluded them since they were promoted to the top flight back in 2011.

Meanwhile, Dynamos scored three quick first-half goals before surviving a late onslaught to prevail 3-2 over already relegated Bantu at Barbourfields Stadium.

The Harare giants went into the match fully aware that nothing short of victory would do in their hunt for a fifth league crown in eight seasons, and they were soon in front as Christian Epoupa converted just six minutes in for his 12th of the campaign.

Quality Kangadze doubled the lead five minutes later, and skipper Ocean Mushure appeared to have put the tie beyond the home side with a third on 24 minutes.

However, McCarthy Dube pulled one back for Bantu just before the break, and Nigel Papious scored their second four minutes into the second half as momentum shifted decisively in favour of the hosts.

Despite the setback, Dynamos managed to hold on for a crucial win, much to the relief of coach Lloyd Mutasa, who is gunning for his first league title in the dugout.