Andrew
Don Makanyanga
Sports Reporter
Herentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
Highlanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
BULAWAYO giants Highlanders’ struggles on the road continued yesterday when a late equaliser by Herentals striker John Zhuwao ended their hopes of a first Castle Lager Premier Soccer League win away from Barbourfields in 32 matches.
It all seemed on course at the National Sports Stadium when Bosso took an early lead through Lynoth Chikuhwa on the quarter hour.
For three years, Bosso have not won a league match outside Bulawayo.
And former CAPS United man Zhuwao rose from the bench to head home Herentals’ equaliser eight minutes from time.
Yesterday’s draw was also the sixth in 10 matches for Highlanders so far this season.
They have already lost four times on the road this term.
Yet they played with greater determination and enjoyed the upper hand in the first half, forcing Herentals to defend deep.
Bosso’s early pressure paid dividends after just 15 minutes when Chikhuwa capitalised on miscommunication between Herentals defender Wilmore Chimbetu and his goalkeeper Takudzwa Chikosi.
The Bosso forward resultantly stole the ball from the Herentals players and tapped home from close range.
The home side soon regained their composure and came close to equalising in the 27th minute from a counter-attack.
Tinotenda Benza broke loose on the left flank before finding Tafadzwa Jimu, who made a cut-back to Innocent Benza inside the Highlanders penalty box, but the Premiership’s oldest player hurried his effort and fluffed his lines.
Bosso kept pressing and forced Herentals to rely on counter raids.
The hosts came back from the breather a much improved side, turning the tables on Highlanders.
They were unlucky not to get an equaliser, as they saw three of their goal-bound efforts saved by Ariel Sibanda inside five minutes.
First to have his effort denied was Jimu, who came to the end of a Tinotenda Benza cross a minute after the break only to see his header being palmed away by the Highlanders goalkeeper.
Sibanda was called into action moments later to deal with Blessing Majarira attempts in the 43rd and 45th minutes.
Herentals coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva made a tactical substitution in the 56th minute, bringing in Zhuwao for Innocent Benza.
Zhuwao later got to the end of Tinotenda Benza’s assist to head home and level matters, thereby denying Bosso their first win outside Bulawayo since July 22, 2018.
In the end, Highlanders counted themselves lucky as Tinotenda Benza once again broke loose with five minutes remaining and found himself in a one-on-one-situation with Sibanda.
The Bosso goalkeeper and captain showed his agility when he stretched out his leg to block the effort.
Although the rebound fell into the path of Denzel Chimwemwe, he blasted his effort over the bar when it appeared easier to score.
The miss was described by Herentals coach as contender for miss of season, as he felt his charges could have broken their winless streak in six matches against Highlanders.
“It’s particularly two points lost for us, as I feel that we were better than Highlanders in the second half.
“We missed a lot of chances,” said Mutiwekuziva.
Highlanders gaffer Baltemar Brito ducked questions on his team’s poor away form.
“We have only been in charge of four games, but I feel this was our best first-half performance of the season.
“Herentals changed in the second half … and had to rely on long balls and forcing us to defend much deeper.
“In future, we may also win like that, but we are a work in progress,” said Brito.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter