Londile Moyo
Veronica Gwaze, Onward Gangata and Innocent Muchochomi
A costly afternoon for Highlanders coincided with a significant statement from Scottland as the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race took another twist yesterday.
While Bosso left Ascot Stadium in Gweru frustrated after failing to convert dominance into points against struggling TelOne, Scottland underlined their championship credentials by ending Herentals’ lengthy unbeaten run and climbing to the summit of the table.
The contrasting fortunes highlighted the fine margins shaping the season.
For Highlanders, the defeat was one that will sting. They arrived in Gweru looking to build momentum after last week’s victory over FC Hunters and appeared firmly in control for long spells.
Yet football’s oldest lesson returned to haunt them, dominance means little without goals.
The Bulawayo giants created enough chances to put the game beyond TelOne but repeatedly found goalkeeper Criss Mverechena in inspired form.
Benjamin Adeogun came close in the opening half while Mongameli Tshuma, Luckmore Mutumbi and Royn Nyamono were all denied as TelOne clung on.
As Bosso’s missed opportunities mounted, belief grew among the hosts.
The decisive moment arrived late when defender Chelsea Nyakope struck to secure TelOne’s first home victory of the campaign and lift the Wifi Boys off the foot of the table.
For a club that had suffered eight consecutive home defeats, it felt like a breakthrough result. For Highlanders, it felt like a match that got away.
“Losing in that manner is always difficult,” said Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari.
“We had a lot of chances that we couldn’t convert. We controlled the match in the first half but going forward we didn’t have that desire, that high tempo.
“Sometimes when you play good football but without intentions to hurt other teams that’s what happens.”
Scottland seize control
While Bosso were left ruing missed chances, Scottland were ruthlessly efficient in Harare.
The defending champions produced one of their most convincing displays of the season to dismantle fellow title contenders Herentals and stretch their unbeaten run to six matches.
Knowledge Musona was the difference.
The veteran forward struck twice inside the opening 18 minutes as Scottland overwhelmed a Herentals side that had entered the match unbeaten in nine league outings.
The early goals exposed Herentals’ defensive vulnerabilities and handed Scottland control of the contest.
More importantly, they reinforced the growing belief that Norman Mapeza’s side are beginning to find the consistency required of champions.
Khama Billiat’s movement and creativity repeatedly unsettled the Herentals defence while the Scottland backline remained disciplined whenever the Students attempted a response.
Although Herentals improved after the interval and enjoyed their best spell of the match through Dreamer Liyeto and Erick Dombo, they found Nelson Chadya and the Scottland defence difficult to breach.
Mapeza was particularly pleased with his team’s first-half execution.
“I am impressed with how we played especially in the first half. We had a plan and it worked,” he said.
The result denied Herentals a chance to move to the top and instead strengthened Scottland’s growing reputation as the team everyone must now chase.
Ngezi respond to stay in the hunt
Elsewhere, Ngezi Platinum Stars ensured they remained firmly in the championship conversation with a hard-fought victory over MWOS at Baobab Stadium.
After last week’s setback against Dynamos, there was pressure on Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva’s men to respond.
They did exactly that.
Farai Madhanhanga’s second-half strike separated the sides in a tightly contested encounter and revived Ngezi’s momentum at a time when rivals are beginning to gather pace.
The result was as much about mentality as it was about points.
“What we wanted was just the mentality to regain our confidence and that’s what we corrected today,” said Mutiwekuziva.
“I’m very happy with my boys’ fighting spirit and resilience.”
For MWOS, the defeat was a reminder of how costly missed opportunities can be in a tightly packed title race.
Bongani Ndlovu