Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo ,Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS finally put behind them a three-match winless run as they edged GreenFuel one-nil in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
Mafious Chihweta’s strike in the first half made the difference with the Bulawayo giants collecting maximum points in Try Ncube’s third game in charge.
The skillful Bosso striker pounced on a rebound to strike the hosts into the lead, five minutes before the end of the first half.
It was Chihweta’s second goal in black and white.
Despite the goal, which brought some life into the match, the first half was a dull affair.
Outside the field of play, Highlanders fans were protesting against the club’s leadership.
The fans claim they want a new executive and board. They are also calling for the appropriate use of clubs funds.
The first real chance and shot on target in the first half came in the 27th minute when Chihweta attempted a curler from the edge of the box which went straight into Ryners’ arms.
Moments later, Bosso got a freekick on the right flank. Mvelo Khoza sent a cross into the danger area but Ryners punched it away to safety.
In the 33rd minute, Reason Sibanda pounced on a defensive blunder from Emmanuel Chikwende inside the box but his shot was blocked by Garikai Dematsika for a corner kick which Bosso wasted.
Three minutes later, Luckmore Mutumbi sent in a brilliant cross into the box which Sibanda failed to connect with.
In the second half, GreenFuel had a couple of chances which they couldn’t capitalise on to find the equaliser.
Just after the hour mark, Denzel Mupuwa had a freekick in a promising position for GreenFuel but sent his effort straight to the wall.
GreenFuel came close to leveling matters in the 76th minute through second half substitute Ronald Chitiyo.
Reward Muza produced a brilliant save to deny Chitiyo whose effort then went on to hit the cross bar. The ball didn’t die and the visitors continued to press with Mupuwa’s shot being blocked by Arthur Ndlovu.
Moments later, Andrew Mbeba produced a crucial goal line clearance.
Teams:
Highlanders:
Reward Muza (gk), Mvelo Khoza, Arthur Ndlovu, Reason Sibanda (Nqobile Ndlovu, 70mins), Andrew Mbeba, Mason Mushore, Never Rauzhi, Darlington Munkuli (Gillian Nyathi, 70mins), Hubert Ncube, Luckmore Mutumbi, Mafios Chihweta (Panashe Mushonga, 46mins)
GreenFuel:
Ashely Ryners (gk), Blessing Kugudu, Emmanuel Chikwende, Robert Kwaramba, Colins Mujuru, Garikai Dematsika, Clive Rupiya (Ronal Chitiyo, 46mins), Adrian Silla, Kudzai Ngwende, Harrison Masina (Godknows Mutina, 66mins), Perfect Chikwende (Denzel Mapuwa, 56mins)
