dyton mupawaenda
Sports reporter
Highlanders…………………………………………(2) 2
ZPC Kariba……………………………………………….0
THE majority of the Highlanders fans chose not to attend this match at Barbourfields but their team still managed to produce a brilliant first half performance which saw them score two goals that decided the game yesterday.
It was a different setting at the usually lively Barbourfields as fans chose to stay away from the match in the latest chapter of the fallout related to the abandonment of their Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final tie against Simba Bhora.
Thousands of the fans, instead, converged at the club house where they donated various amounts to the team.
That, however, did not seem to deter the players who seemed switched on from the first whistle.
It only took Highlanders three minutes to take the lead as Lynoth Chikuhwa converted from the penalty spot after Never Rauzhi was brought down inside the box.
Referee Allan Bhasvi had no hesitation pointing to the spot.
Highlanders would double their lead in the 37th through McKinnon Mushore who slotted home from close range.
With the victory, Bosso moved into position three on the table with 44 points while ZPC are in 12th place with 34 points.
Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu was a happy man.
“It was a positive result for us. It helped us get into a better position. We had several chances in the first half and l thought we could have buried this game in the first half with the chances we created.
“But, it’s not easy when you are playing a team like ZPC Kariba given they are one of the teams that have conceded fewer goals this season.”
ZPC Kariba coach Newton Chitehwe said:
“I think we conceded two goals from defensive blunders. The introduction of our youngsters in the second half helped us get into the game.
“It’s dissapointing that the trusted guys did not deliver. However, l am confident we will survive relegation.”
Rauzhi had chances to even get a hat-trick.
After 33 minutes, Rauzhi created space for himself inside the box after dribbling past a couple of defenders but his shot went wide.
Just before the break, Rauzhi found himself through on goal but his attempt from close range was saved by the goalkeeper.
Teams
Highlanders
R Pitisi, A Mbeba, T Dube, A Ndlovu, P Muduhwa, M Mushore, L Chikuhwa (M Ncube 80th min), McKinnon Mushore, B Ncube (N Ndlovu 63rd min), G Nyathi, Never Rauzhi
ZPC Kariba
T Munditi, K Madima, N Gurende, B Makuture, C Dzingai, C Muleya, B Zuberi (I Sibelo 46th min), C Munyanyi, L Murape, S Ngala (T Makaripe 46th min)
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