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HIGHLANDERS bounced back to winning ways, after two games without a victory, when they dismissed a fighting Black Rhinos side in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields yesterday.
Beavan Chikaka got a brace for Bosso with Simon Munawa scoring the third goal.
Rhinos, who are back in the Premiership after spending three years in Division One, replied through Wonder Kapinda who capitalised on some sloppy defending by the home side.
Super sub Chikaka rose from the bench when he came in for Hillary Madzivanyika in the 29th minute and with only 15 minutes on the field of play jerked the Bosso fans from their seats with a flashing header that found the back of the net.
A minute before halftime, Highlanders won a corner and Lawson Nkomo flighted a beautiful ball which the ever-alert Chikakaka connected with his head, beating Rhinos ‘keeper Britto Gwere.
Chikaka completed his brace with another beautiful header seven minutes in the second half.
The third goal was always and Munawa scored the goal of the day with another header which hit the roof of the nets.
Bosso had won possession from the right flank and Nkomo spotted Munawa who obliged with a gem of a header.
The match had started at a rather slow pace with the visitors threatening the Highlanders’ defence with the hard-running Lot Chiwunga, Kapinda and Martin Mine giving the home defence some anxious moments.
But Highlanders could have opened the scoring after 11 minutes of play when the busy Njabulo ‘‘Tshiki’’ Ncube found himself in the box unmarked but the timely intervention by Rhinos’ defender Jameson Mukombwe saved the day.
Four minutes later Mthulusi Maphosa watched in agony as his shot from outside box went wide.
Bosso goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya was rarely threatened at all as the visitors strikers chose to be too elaborate in front of goal or shoot off target.
Rhinos will feel hard done by the referee Philani Ncube who waved play on when Mugoni appeared to have been hacked inside the box towards the end of the game.
Rhinos coach, Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera, blamed the defeat on some sloppy defending by his team.
‘‘We played well but we conceded soft goals and we also failed to utilise the number of chances we created. But we will bounce back from this defeat in our next match,’’ said Saruchera.
Bosso assistant coach, Bhekithemba Ndlovu, said the team performed below par but was pleased with the result.
‘‘I am glad we won after playing below par but the guys managed to convert the chances that came their way. It was not one of our best games but this shows the quality of the team that they can play badly and still manage to come up with a win,’’ said Ndlovu.
Teams
Highlanders: M. Diya, L. Nkomo, B. Kangwa, I. Mapuranga (cpt), D. Ndlovu, H. Madzivanyika (B. Chikaka 29th min), M. Maphosa, S. Munawa (K. Mutizwa 67th min), N. Ncube, M. Ncube (P. Moyo 55th min), B. Ncube.
Black Rhinos: B. Gwere, J. Mukombwe, W. Chakanyuka, B. Homera, B. Chandisaita, S. Jimu, M. Mudewe, M. Mine, W. Kapinda, T. Torovaseyi (L. Muhoni 81th min), L. Chiwunga.
Online Reporter