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Brandon Moyo at Barbourfields Stadium
PLAYING against an in form Highlanders for the first time, Arenel Movers pat themselves at the back for managing to collect a point on Sunday afternoon.
With the odds against the Sweets Makers, and in front of a vociferous crowd, they managed to make the favourites, Bosso sweat throughout the proceedings in a match that ended goalless.
Numerous chances came through for both sides but none managed to capitalise.
Before the start of the match, both Arenel and Highlanders paid respect to the late Bheka “Mahii” Sibanda who passed on on Saturday morning with a minute of silence.
The much loved Sibanda was a Bosso benefactor who in the past couple of month la had become Arenel Mover’s new vice chairperson.
The home side, Arenel’s first choice Aron Ngwenya returned to the starting 11 while for Bosso, their skipper Ariel Sibanda watched from the bench for the second consecutive match. Raphael Pitisi returned in between the sticks.
Arenel got their first real chance of the game in the 17th minute through Chrispen Machisi who pounced on a loose ball inside the box and unleashed a good shot which Pitisi managed punch away to safety.
With both teams in search of the opener, Prince Ndlovu showed his skill as he dribbled past the Arenel defense but was brought down on the edge of the box by Machisi.
Bosso’s set piece specialist Andrew Mbeba stood up to take the free-kick. His effort kept low and was met by Brighton Ncube who failed to connect well with it. Ngwenya easily collected the ball and Arenel regrouped.
With nothing much to write home about in the first stanza, it went to the break goalless.
In the second half, both coaches, trusted their starting 11s to deliver with no half time changes. However, changes followed a bit later.
Five minutes into the second half, bosso managed to force two corner kicks which however, were fruitless.
They went on to get another free kick on the edge of the box but Mbeba’s effort was cleared by the defenders.
Mvelo Khoza got a chance off the rebound but skied his shot over the bar.
Both teams were to make numerous changes while also creating chances but none of that yielded any results.
Arenel Movers:
Aron Ngwenya (gk), Kudzaishe Dzingwe, Brian Jaravaza, Authur Ndlovu, Polite Mwenda, Grant Chingwenhese, Chilumbyo Munkuli Grey Kufandada, 84mins), Zibusiso Dambo, Timothy January, Chrispen Machisi (Toto Banda, 83mins), Brion Ngwenya (Ricaldo Sibanda, 57mins)
Highlanders:
Raphael Pitisi (gk), Devine Mhindirira (Reason Sibanda, 63mins), Lynoth Chikuhwa (Brian Ndlovu, 75mins), Mckinnon Mushore (Gillian Nyathi, 75mins),Prince Ndlovu (Marvin SIbanda, 63mins),Andrew Mbeba, Peter Muduhwa, Archford Faira, Mvelo Khoza, Brighton Ncube, Melikhaya Ncube. – @brandon_malvin
Online Reporter