Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira at Barbourfields Stadium
CAPS United head into the halftime break with a deserved 1-0 lead over Highlanders after a dominant opening 45 minutes in the Battle of the Cities clash at Barbourfields Stadium.
The visitors were quickest out of the blocks and immediately troubled Bosso with the pace of Ishmael Wadi, Obriel Chirinda and Takunda Benhura, whose movement repeatedly exposed gaps in the Highlanders defence.
Highlanders were under pressure as early as the second minute when Andrew Mbeba was forced into a desperate sliding tackle to deny Benhura from close range after CAPS carved open the home side.
Three minutes later, goalkeeper Aron Ngwenya had to rush off his line to rescue Bosso again, this time denying Wadi as CAPS continued to threaten.
The warning signs kept coming, and in the 10th minute Dominic Njaliwa almost punished a defensive mix-up between Ngwenya and Nomore Chinyerere, only to see his effort crash against the crossbar.
For much of the half, Highlanders struggled to settle, with CAPS controlling the tempo and looking more dangerous every time they surged forward.
Bosso did have a moment that lifted the home crowd when Darlington Mukuli unleashed a long-range strike that had supporters on their feet, but his effort went over the bar.
CAPS’ sustained pressure finally paid off in the 36th minute when Kudzai Chigwida ghosted behind the Highlanders defence to power home from close range after connecting with a well-delivered free-kick.
It was a goal that had been coming after a commanding first-half display from the log leaders, while Highlanders will need a major improvement after the break if they are to turn the tide at Emagumeni.
