Bosso fall again

Mzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
Highlanders 0-0 Platinum
(After penalty shootout Platinum won 6-5)HIGHLANDERS’ pre-season woes continued as they were booted out of the Independence Cup by FC Platinum in a semi-final clash at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.

The match ended goalless in regulation time and proceeded to a penalty shootout.

Kuda Mahachi forced a straight save from FC Platinum goalkeeper Talbert Shumba, a former Highlanders junior player while James Marufu made no mistake from the spot for FC Platinum to book them a final berth in the sudden death shootout.

FC Platinum was a far much better side in the match and Highlanders deservedly recorded their first loss to the Zvishavane side at Barbourfields.

Highlanders have suffered two back-to-back defeats at the hands of the platinum miners having gone down 0-2 in a friendly match two weeks ago.

FC Platinum started on fire as Obrey Chirwa forced Highlanders goalkeeper Njabulo Nyoni to action just two minutes into the game.
Highlanders failed to create clear chances. The midfield of Hillary Madzivanyika and Welcome Ndiweni played second fiddle to Thabani Kamusoko who was dominant in the middle of the park.

FC Platinum coach Lloyd Mutasa reacted swiftly in the 46th minute by introducing Walter Musona for Chirwa. Musona added more punch to the platinum strikeforce and troubled the Highlanders defenders.

The youngster was denied by the upright after he swiftly connected a drop ball which was given after Ndiweni and Tatenda Mudehwe had collided just outside the Highlanders box.

Former Highlanders striker Njabulo Ncube almost broke the hearts of his former paymasters after beating Innocent Mapuranga in the box only to shoot wide.

Highlanders upped the tempo of the game after the introduction of Mthulisi Maphosa for Ndiweni in the 65th minute.

Charles Sibanda was dropped to left link where he started to play more effectively. He was to be denied a goal by the cross bar in the 84th minute which would have been his first in Highlanders colours.

Cleopas Dube also hit the woodwork in the 90th minute as Bosso surged forward for the winner.

FC Platinum coach Mutasa praised his players for their first victory at Barbourfields Stadium against Highlanders.

“We took control of the middle of the park as we really planned for it. It was also a difficult match as Highlanders are a good side. We are happy as the boys had never won here before,” said Mutasa.

The gaffer said their target is to scoop the trophy when they clash with Harare giants Dynamos in the final on Independence Day.

“No one does not want to win, so we are going for it and we want to work on the finishing aspect as this is the second game in our pre-season where we have failed to score (in regulation time),” he said.

Bosso stand-in coach Mark Mathe decided to give the media a blackout by rushing straight to the dressing room and refusing to come out for after-match interviews.