Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere in BULAWAYO
Highlanders……………………………………..(0) 1
Agama…………………………………………….0
HIGHLANDERS coach Benjani Mwaruwari admitted his side made life difficult for themselves after wasting a glut of opportunities before eventually grinding out a dramatic win at Barbourfields yesterday.
A speculative cross in stoppage-time from Royn Nyamono rescued Bosso from what had looked a draw on another frustrating afternoon.
“A win is a win, no matter how ugly or beautiful it comes,” said Benjani.
“We started brightly but it’s unfortunate we didn’t score more. If you start like that you have to finish off teams.
“It’s always frustrating to create chances and miss them. However, at the end of the day, we finally got the goal, whether it was an ugly one or beautiful one.”
The Bosso gaffer cut a relieved figure after watching his side dominate possession, create numerous clear-cut chances and hit the woodwork, only to leave it until the 92nd minute to finally break down a resilient Agama side.
For long periods, Highlanders appeared to be their own worst enemies.
Benjamin Adeogun, Mongameli Tshuma, Rainsome Pavari and substitute Isaac Ngoma all had opportunities to put the game beyond doubt while Agama goalkeeper Wilson Brown produced a string of impressive saves to frustrate the home side.
Ngoma came closest in the second half when his powerful effort crashed against the woodwork, drawing groans from the Bosso faithful, who feared another costly slip-up.
Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession and territorial advantage, Highlanders repeatedly failed to convert their dominance into goals, allowing Agama to remain in the contest.
The visitors almost made Bosso pay for their wastefulness and had chances of their own.
As the clock ticked down and frustration grew around Barbourfields, it seemed Bosso would once again be left lamenting missed chances.
But, just when Agama looked set to escape with a valuable point, Nyamono produced a moment of brilliance, unleashing a dipping shot from outside the box that creeped home to spark wild celebrations among the home supporters.
The goal handed Highlanders their fifth win of the season and moved them to 25 points.
It’s a result which Benjani believes could prove crucial.
However, after a day dominated by off-field distractions and uncertainty surrounding the team’s preparations, Benjani was happy to focus on the positive.
Agama coach Godfrey Tamirepi said:
“Of course, we lost but we tried to frustrate our opponents throughout the match. We could have got goals but we kept on missing and sometimes blasting our efforts over the bar.
“In the second half they absorbed the pressure and came at us. It’s unfortunate we ended up conceding in that particular fashion.”
Teams:
Highlanders: Aron Ngwenya, Nomore Chinyerere, Mongameli Tshuma, Royn Nyamono, Andrew Mbeba, Rainsome Pavari, Never Rauzhi ( Kuda Mahachi, 57th min), Darlington Mukuli (Prince Ndlovu, 85th min), Luckmore Mutumbi (Reason Sibanda, 72nd min), Benjamin Adeogun (Isaac Ngoma, 57th min), Lawrence Mhlanga.
Agama: Wilson Brown, Siphephelo Philiso, Lindsay Marunga, Josiah Daka, Alec Chiume, Langton Chavinda, Cain Mashonganyika (Yusuf Khamis, 85th min), Bernard Chipanera, Richard Kumi (Emmanuel Chambara, 67th min), Tinashe Balakasi (Grey Kufandada, 67th min), Ralph Nyamupurika
