first win eludes Bosso again

Highlanders 0-0 MWOS

HIGHLANDERS’ wait for a first win dragged on after a frustrating goalless draw against MWOS in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.

Bosso controlled the opening exchanges and should have put the game beyond reach inside the first 20 minutes, but poor finishing again proved costly. Mongameli Tshuma, Never Rauzhi and Benjamin Adeogun all found space and time in dangerous areas, yet none could apply the finish to match the build-up.

It was the kind of afternoon that sums up Highlanders’ start to the season. The play is there, the control is there, but the goals are not.

“We wanted those three points,” said coach Benjani Mwaruwari. “We started very well and should have buried the match in the first 10 minutes.

“We played well but allowed them back into the game. You need to wrap it up early in matches like this. In the second half they had their chances as well. We have dropped six points from a possible nine.”

A strong midweek crowd turned up despite workday commitments, expecting a breakthrough performance. Instead, they watched a familiar script unfold, bright early phases followed by growing anxiety as chances went begging.

MWOS, who had struggled to impose themselves in the first half, came back with more intent after the break and gradually shifted the balance. Highlanders, so sharp earlier, began to lose their grip.

Murambiwa nearly punished them in the 65th minute, stepping into space outside the box and unleashing a powerful effort that sailed just over. It was a warning Bosso could not ignore.

Mwaruwari’s changes soon after raised eyebrows. Rauzhi and Adeogun, both lively and a constant threat, made way for Prince Ndlovu and Akim Nkomo. The switch took away Highlanders’ edge in attack, and the replacements struggled to trouble the visitors.

From there, MWOS looked the more likely side.
Highlanders were forced deeper and had to ride out long spells under pressure. The hosts were left clinging on, a sharp contrast to their early dominance.

Still, there was one last opening. Tshuma found himself with a clear sight of goal in the 72nd minute but blazed over, a miss that drew groans from the terraces and summed up the afternoon.

MWOS coach Lloyd “Samaita” Mutasa was satisfied with what his side took from a difficult venue.
“Playing Highlanders at Barbourfields is not easy,” he said. “We are grateful for the point. We created chances and they were also very good.”

For Highlanders, the concern runs deeper than a single result. Three matches into the campaign, they have yet to find the consistency needed to turn control into points. The upcoming run against Simba Bhora, FC Platinum and defending champions Scottland now carries added weight.
Teams

Highlanders: R Muza, N Chinyerere, M Tshuma, S Mhlanga, S Moyo (B Ncube 34), A Mbeba, R Pavari, T Shenje, N Rauzhi (P Ndlovu 64), B Adeogun (A Nkomo 64), L Mhlanga
MWOS: F Tizayi, T Nyambudze, J Makangire, V Katsande, I Zambezi, B Veremu, R Chinemo, M Mudzuka, M Murambiwa, A Banda (M Mlilo 60), T Mutyambizi