Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira at Barbourfields Stadium
Highlanders 1-1 Chicken Inn
CHICKEN Inn coach Tonderai Ndiraya believes Junior Makunike had started celebrating before missing the chance that could have put the Gamecocks ahead in yesterday’s 1-1 Bulawayo derby draw against Highlanders at Barbourfields.
Michael Charamba found Makunike inside the box in the 70th minute, but the forward missed from close range with the scores level.
“I think it had a goal written on it, but he lost a bit of concentration,” Ndiraya said.
“Even psychologically, you could tell he had started celebrating before he made his attempt.”
It was Chicken Inn’s clearest opportunity as they pushed for a response to Sunday’s Chibuku Super Cup exit at the hands of their city rivals.
Highlanders, with head coach Benjani Mwaruwari watching from the stands as he continues his recovery from illness, had controlled the opening period.
Mongameli Tshuma and Never Rauzhi troubled the Chicken Inn defence, with Rauzhi curling the first clear chance wide after being released by Tshuma.
Rauzhi opened the scoring in the 22nd minute.
Benjamin Adeogun beat his marker on the right before crossing for the forward to head Bosso into the lead.
Chicken Inn responded through Charamba and Brendon Rendo, who began finding space on the flanks.
The Gamecocks drew level four minutes before the break after Nomore Chinyerere was adjudged to have fouled Ngnowa Hapmo inside the box.
Tyrese Hikupembe converted the penalty.
Chicken Inn returned with greater purpose after the interval, but Makunike failed to convert the opportunity that could have completed their comeback.
Highlanders assistant coach Mkhokheli Dube said Bosso had needed discipline against a Gamecocks side seeking to avenge their Cup elimination.
“It was one of those games where we had to be tactically disciplined,” Dube said.
Ndiraya was satisfied with Chicken Inn’s response, although he felt they could have taken more from the match.
“Against Highlanders, we knew it was going to be tough,” he said.
“I felt we had control in most phases of the game. It was a big performance from the team.
“I am disappointed by the way we conceded the first goal. We should not be making such mistakes at this level, but it is part of football. We have to take the point and move on.
“We wanted maximum points but we are happy we avoided another defeat.”
