Benjani finally breaks duck as Highlanders storm back to win Bulawayo derby

Chicken Inn 1-3 Highlanders Innocent Kurira At Barbourfields Stadium

AFTER seven frustrating draws, Benjani Mwaruwari finally tasted his first league victory as Highlanders coach and it came in emphatic fashion in a pulsating Bulawayo derby against Chicken Inn at Barbourfields Stadium on Wednesday.

Highlanders showed character and resilience, coming from a goal behind to secure a convincing 3-1 win after a sluggish first-half display.

The home side, Chicken Inn, made the brighter start and were rewarded inside the opening 15 minutes when Innocent Masiwa finished from close range to give the Gamecocks the lead. Bosso struggled to create clear-cut chances despite enjoying more possession, with their attacking efforts lacking cutting edge.

Masiwa nearly doubled his tally midway through the half but blasted over from a promising position, while a defensive lapse by Nomore Chinyerere almost gifted Chicken Inn another goal, only for Aron Ngwenya to produce a timely block.

Highlanders’ best chance of the half fell to Shelton Moyo, whose low effort from range drifted wide as Chicken Inn went into the break with a deserved 1-0 lead.

However, the second half told a completely different story.

Whatever Benjani Mwaruwari said at halftime had an immediate impact, as Highlanders emerged a transformed side, more direct, urgent, and clinical.

Their pressure paid off just four minutes after the restart when Mongameli Tshuma tapped in from close range to level matters at 1-1, sparking life into the Bosso faithful.

Highlanders continued to dominate proceedings and took the lead in the 68th minute through Zambian striker Isaac Ngoma, who finished calmly to complete the turnaround.

With momentum firmly on their side, Bosso sealed the result six minutes later when Prince Ndlovu produced a moment of brilliance, unleashing a stunning strike from outside the box to make it 3-1.

Chicken Inn had no response as Highlanders controlled the closing stages to secure a memorable derby victory.

The win not only ends a long wait for Benjani Mwaruwari but could also mark a turning point in Highlanders’ season, with the team finally converting promising performances into maximum points.