Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo ,Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE first installment of the Bulawayo derby between Highlanders and Chicken Inn ended in a drab goalless draw at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
The first half saw both sides create numerous chances but failing to find the back of the net while the second stanza was a dull affair.
The home side, Highlanders had the first chance of the match in the fifth minute when Mvelo Khoza’s brilliant dipping shot was tipped over the bar for a corner kick by Donovan Bernard.
Moments later, Chicken Inn also came close when their skipper Xolani Ndlovu sent in a brilliant cross from the left which speedy forward Brian Muza failed to properly connect.
In the eighth minute, Muza came close again. He received another brilliant cross, this time from Genius Mutungamiri but his effort, in front of goal, went wide.
In the 13th minute, Never Rauzhi capitalised on a Chicken Inn lapse in concentration but was tackled inside the box before he could take his shot.
In the 38th minute, Rauzhi back flipped a through ball into Brighton Ncube’s path but the Bosso striker sent his effort to the birds.
A minute later, Muza had his weak effort from the edge of the box easily collected by Reward Muza.
Soon after the start of the second half, Bosso got a freekick in a promising position. Andrew Mbeba stood up but sent his effort just wide.
In the 52nd minute, George Majika took a shot from outside the box but his effort went wide.
Rauzhi came close to putting Bosso in front in the 57th minute but his volley, which forced Donovan to stretch full length went just over the bar.
In the 68th minute, Marvin Sibanda who came in as a substitute sent in a brilliant cross into the box which Bernard fumbled before holding on to it.
In his first touch, second half substitute Tendai Muvuti sent in a brilliant cross into the box which Reason Sibanda headed wide.
Teams:
Highlanders:
Reward Muza (gk), Mvelo Khoza, Talent Dube, Brian Mlotshwa, Mckinnon Mushore (Marvin Sibanda, 66mins), Melikhaya Ncube, Prince Ndlovu (Prince Ndlovu, 58mins), Brighton Ncube (Tendai Muvuti, 81mins), Andrew Mbeba, Never Rauzhi, Hubert Ncube (Darlington Munkuli, 58mins).
Chicken Inn:
Donovan Bernard (gk), Lincoln Mangaira, Mpumelelo Bhebhe, Itai Mabhunu, Xolani Ndlovu, Dominic Jaricha, Michael Charamba (Walter Vuwa, 77mins), Brian Muza (Kumbirai Mutenha, 66mins), Brendon Renydo, Genius Mutungamiri (Tinashe Mushaireni, 66mins),George Majika (Edward Musena, 77mins).
