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Innocent Kurira at Barbourfields Stadium
Highlanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)2
Yadah Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
A WEEK ago, the sight of an empty seat at Barbourfields Stadium was almost unimaginable.
It could well be the lowest crowd Highlanders FC have recorded this season, those that bothered to come and witness Bosso thump visiting Yadah Stars in a Castle Lager Premiership duel yesterday.
But it will matter less as Highlanders managed to end their three game winless run.
Prior to this victory, which came through a Mbongeni Ndlovu strike with 36 minutes on the clock played and Washington Navaya’s late strike, Bosso had won 1-0 against Black Rhinos before going on to lose to FC Platinum and Chicken Inn on identical 2-0 scorelines.
This was before last weekend’s abandoned tie against Dynamos. The match was called off in the 38th minute with Dynamos leading 2-0.
The violence could be reason for the poor crowd or perhaps Yadah’s stunt request to have the game played away from Barbourfields Stadium or in an empty stadium. The negativity that was there in the last week could be blamed for that.
Or it was just Bosso’s poor run that annoyed fans. Away from the paltry crowd by Highlanders standards, Bosso coach Baltemar Brito ringed in the changes.
He made two to his starting line-up against Dynamos. Brighton Mhanhire and Achford Faira made way for Marvelous Chigumira, who operated as the right wing back. The move saw Andrew Mbeba who normally operates in that position drafted into central defence partnering Peter Muduhwa while Mbongeni Ndlovu was shifted to leftback.
There was even game time for young Prince Ndlovu. He dazzled the crowd with his confidence on the ball and skill.
Commenting on the match, Highlanders coach Baltemer Brito said:
“It’s football. Sometimes you play bad and you win the game. Sometimes you play good and you lose. That is football,” said Brito.
Yadah Stars coach Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe said:
“We played an angry Highlanders who had lost their last three games. The better side on the day won the match.” In the first half, Highlanders took a good route toward goal using Chigumira on the right flank.
Yadah were away and seemingly content in the first stanza with not conceding.
It was anyone’s game before the break.
Yadah goalkeeper Marshal Takarinda was the busier of the two goalkeepers.
The introduction of young Calvin Chigonero and Prince Ndlovu for Highlanders, deep into the second half added some firepower to the Bulawayo football giants.
With Yadah getting several fresh legs introduced in the second half, they found Bosso a difficult nut to crack.
Highlanders:
Ariel Sibanda, Marvelous Chigumira, Lynoth Chikuhwa, (B Manhire 84th minute) Ray Lunga (P Ndlovu 70th minute), McKinnon Mushore, Andrew Mbeba, Elsharmar Farasi (C Chigonero 70th minute), Mason Mushore (W Navaya 84th minute) , Peter Muduhwa, Mbongeni Ndlovu, Melikhaya Ncube,
Subs:
Andrew Tandi, Rahman Kutsanzira, Calvin Chigonero, Brighton Manhire, Prince Ndlovu, Raphael Pitisi, Gillian Nyathi, Washington Navaya
Yadah:
Marshal Kakarinda, Prosper Kafelapanjila, (N Mlilo 80th minute) King Nadolo, Clive Mandivei, Brian Kadamanja, Marvelous Faranando, Anotidaishe Gwatidzo, Blessed Ndereki (R Chifura 54th minute), Junior Zindoga ( C Moffat 84th minute), Jerry Chipangura, Lennox Mucheto
Subs:
Takunda Vareta, Tanaka Chikumba, Panashe Nyabunga, Russel Chifura, Tawanda Musariri, Charles Moffat, Emmanuel Saidi, Innocent Masiwa, Mandlenkosi Mlilo, Deivid Brito, Juan Farias
WEEK 23 RESULTS
Sunday
CAPS United 1 — 1 Chicken Inn
Highlanders 2 — 0 Yadah
Simba Bhora 1 — 0 Sheasham
Triangle 0 — 1 FC Platinum
Saturday
Bulawayo Chiefs 2 — 1 Dynamos
Cranborne Bullets 0 — 1 Hwange
Herentals 2 — 1 Black Rhinos
Manica Diamonds 2 — 0 ZPC Kariba
Ngezi Platinum 3 — 0 Greenfuel
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