Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
FC Hunters………………………………..……(0) 1
Highlanders…………………………………….(1) 1
HIGHLANDERS winless run continued while FC Hunters sealed their survival in this drawn match at Rufaro yesterday.
Goals in either half from Bosso’s Isaac Ngoma and FC Hunters second-half substitute, Benjamin Goliath, provided the highlights in a lukewarm encounter.
Bosso last tasted victory in a 2-0 win over Herentals on August 23, at Barbourfields.
Benjani said:
“I think we have been through a lot this season and I pay tribute to the boys for holding on when things were tough,” Benjani said.
“As a coach it was tough to motivate them at some stages but I would just turn the situation into comedy, whenever we managed to train or play a match, I would joke with them and try to make the situation light.”
Yesterday, Highlanders opened the scoring in the 10th minute through Ngoma.
The goal breathed belief into the visitors and they started to dominate proceedings early, with Mongameli Tshuma and Andrew Mbeba dictating play in midfield.
In the 23rd minute, Highlanders could have doubled their lead when Mongameli stylishly beat three defenders in midfield before slipping a through-ball to Ngoma in space.
However, the striker failed to beat goalkeeper Brandon Munkuli in a one-on-one situation.
Seven minutes later, Tshuma found himself in trouble after attempting to win a penalty, going down theatrically inside the box under minimal contact while trying to implicate Elder Chirima.
Referee Brighton Chimene was alert to the simulation and promptly booked him for diving.
The yellow card galvanised Hunters, who began to find their rhythm.
More composed going forward, Tadiwanashe Huni almost masterminded the equaliser in the 36th minute with a pinpoint cross from the right flank for King Nadolo, whose header went over the crossbar.
Four minutes later, Highlanders goalkeeper Aaron Ngwenya had to be at his best to keep his side ahead, pulling off a fine save to deny Huni’s long-range effort.
In the second half, for 27 minutes, Hunters struggled to create clear chances while Highlanders, comfortable with their lead, slowed the tempo and managed the game.
“We did well dominating the first half, but come second half we were disjointed and there are moments, I feel we could have got one or two more goals,” Benjani said.
“For us to be in the top half of the table at this stage, I am impressed, so now two games to go but the bigger picture is to focus more on the Chibuku semi-final.”
Hunters head coach, Nesbert Saruchera, hailed his side for forcing a draw.
“It was a tough game and I am impressed that the boys fought up to the end, our aim was to maintain an unbeaten run and we did it,” he said.
