Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira at Barbourfields Stadium
IF ever there was a match to prove the bond between Highlanders and their supporters, this was it. On a day when their play lacked rhythm and their finishing faltered, it was the crowd — their ever-vocal 12th man — that pulled them back from the brink. With Barbourfields booming, Highlanders clawed their way to a well-earned draw against a resolute Ngezi Platinum Stars side.
Under interim coach Try Ncube, Bosso struggled for much of the match. They fell behind in the 25th minute, the opener a result of a sloppy defensive error. Arthur Ndlovu’s misjudged clearance gifted Gomezagni Chirwa possession. Chirwa played in Tinashe Mavhudzi, who calmly slotted the ball past a helpless Reward Muza.
The goal knocked the wind out of Highlanders, and their early momentum fizzled. They had moments — Never Rauzhi and Malvern Hativagoni tested Ngezi keeper Darlington Murasiranwa from a distance. Mason Mushore’s glancing header was inches wide. Melikhaya Ncube rattled the crossbar just before half-time. Still, there was more desperation than direction.
Then came the spark.
With the match slipping away, Ncube turned to his bench. The substitutions shifted the mood, and the crowd sensed it. Tendai Muvuti, one of the substitutes, delivered a pinpoint cross from the right. Reason Sibanda met it with perfect timing, rising above the defence to head in at the near post. The 79th-minute equaliser sent the stadium into rapture.
“We thank the supporters. They came in their numbers and pushed the boys to play with confidence and eventually get the well-deserved equaliser. I think we played better than the last game.
“We conceded from a mistake, but I’m happy with the fightback. The players showed good spirit. We just have to limit the number of mistakes. This is a game where we seemed to be fluffing our chances,” said Ncube.
Even after drawing level, Bosso kept pushing. Mushore was denied again from close range, and Hativagoni struck the woodwork for a second time. Murasiranwa, calm and composed all afternoon, was the difference for Ngezi, keeping them in it with several key saves.
From the visitors’ dugout, coach Takesure Chiragwi saw it as a job well done.
“This was a point gained. I applaud my players — they resisted pressure and worked hard. Highlanders are always tough at home with their fans. But we matched them, and we move forward with this result.”
The draw leaves Highlanders ninth on the table with 29 points from 24 games. Ngezi Platinum sit fifth with 39, eight behind leaders Simba Bhora on 47.
In the end, Bosso may have dropped two points, but it didn’t feel like it. The fans stayed long after the final whistle, chanting into the twilight. This was their point. Their noise. Their moment.
Sometimes, football’s real magic doesn’t come from tactics or talent. It comes from the stands.
Teams:
Highlanders:
Reward Muza (gk), Arthur Ndlovu, Melikhaya Ncube, Prince Ndlovu (Reason Sibanda, 46 mins), Malvern Hativagoni (Brian Mlotshwa, 83 mins), Brighton Ncube, Mason Mushore, Never Rauzhi, Archford Faira, Panashe Mushonga (Tendai Muvuti, 71 mins), Luckmore Mutumbi
Ngezi Platinum:
Darlington Murasiranwa (gk), Gomezagni Chirwa, Kudzai Chigwida, Farai Madhanaga, Nyasha Gurende, Leslie Kashitigu, Brooklyn Katumba, Adam Ngwenya (Marvelous Mukumba, 46 mins), Talent Chamboko (Qadr Amin, 88 mins), McDonald Makuwe, Tinashe Mavhudzi (Nisbert Muzenda, 81 mins).
