ZIMBABWEAN kings FC Platinum began life without Norman Mapeza with a triumph over UD Songo of Mozambique in a Caf Champions League first round, first leg fixture at Barbourfields yesterday.

Never Tigere scored the solitary goal from a 23rd minute free-kick to ensure FC Platinum has an advantage as they head into the reverse fixture in Mozambique at the end of this month.

Despite the win by the two-time Zimbabwe champions, the Mozambicans played better for most parts of the game, especially during the second half.

Lizwe Sweswe, the man who took over from Mapeza when the former Warriors midfielder stepped down last Thursday, was content with the goal scored “against formidable opponents”.

“It was important to see how they play. The fact that we scored a goal gives us an advantage in the second leg,’’ Sweswe said.

The former Tsholotsho coach felt it would not have been easy to score more goals against the Mozambican champions.State media