Online Reporter
Tawah Munthali, Alberto Chamwadoro and Veronica Gwaze, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Highlanders 2-1 MWOS
HIGHLANDERS under coach Benjani Mwaruwari battled to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over MWOS yesterday to extend their unbeaten run to four matches.
The victory underlined Bosso’s growing resilience after a difficult build-up, while Hardrock maintained the pressure on Castle Lager Premier Soccer League leaders Scottland with another important victory. It was a difficult afternoon, however, for FC Platinum, whose home struggles boiled over into ugly scenes at
Mandava after another late collapse.
Bosso overcome disruption
At Ngoni Stadium, Highlanders shrugged off three weeks without training to beat MWOS 2-1 and claim their seventh league win of the season.
After soaking up early pressure, Bosso struck with their first effort on target in the 40th minute when
Isaac Ngoma split the defence with a precise through ball for Never Rauzhi to finish.
MWOS levelled in the 70th minute after Andrew Mbeba inadvertently diverted David Ndeunyema’s long throw into his own net.
Mbeba responded in the best possible fashion 10 minutes later, delivering the free-kick that Ngoma headed home to restore Highlanders’ lead.
Coach Benjani Mwaruwari praised his players for digging deep despite a disrupted build-up.
“It was a good performance from the boys as they fought till the very end,” he said.
“The fitness levels were not up to our usual best but the boys fought hard with everything they had.”
MWOS assistant coach Joseph Takaringofa felt his side should have taken more from the game.
“We created a lot of chances but giving away goals in the manner that we did is so disappointing. On a good day we should have won the match if we were clinical in front of goal,” he said.
Hardrock keep pace
Hardrock stayed firmly in the title race with a 2-0 victory over Chicken Inn in Bulawayo.
Wilfred Madzungu broke the deadlock before Tinashe Mashaireni came back to haunt his parent club with a late second as Hardrock kept pace with Scottland at the top of the table.
Mandava turns on Dubai
FC Platinum’s home woes deepened after another late collapse against FC Hunters sparked an angry backlash from supporters, who turned on coach Joel “Dubai” Luphahla following a 1-1 draw at Mandava Stadium.
The result extended FC Platinum’s run to three home matches without a win and left frustrated supporters openly questioning Luphahla’s future.
In an ugly post-match scene, and contrary to tradition, Luphahla and his players were unable to salute the fans. Instead, furious supporters chased the coach away, chanting that they no longer wanted him at the club.
FC Platinum took the lead in the 21st minute after Trevor Bhunu’s cross found Garikai Dematsika, who was brought down inside the penalty area by Junior Meya.
Abram Mbakondja Tjahikika converted from the spot, but FC Hunters struck late through King Nadolo after Elder Chirima’s cut-back to snatch a point.
“It’s disappointing because we were just three minutes away from victory,” said Luphahla.
“But sometimes, for a team to score, they need the other team to make a mistake. We failed to clear our lines.
“This is now our third home game without a win. We also continue to squander chances that we should be converting.
“I know our fans are disappointed. When you don’t win at home, people start losing confidence in the team.”
FC Hunters coach Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera hailed his side’s fighting spirit after earning a valuable away point.
CAPS slide continues
CAPS United’s title ambitions suffered another setback after they twice came from behind to draw 2-2
with Triangle United at Rufaro.
The result stretched Makepekepe’s winless run to nine matches and left them nine points behind leaders Scottland.
Chawanangwa Kaonga scored twice for CAPS after Aaron Zeka and Steven Zhogi had put Triangle ahead.
Coach Takesure Chiragwi refused to concede the title race.
“We dropped two crucial points today and as a coach I take the blame,” he said.
“If we hit the right note and remain consistent for two games then we are back in the race.”TelOne earn rare away win
TelOne collected only their third victory of the season with a 2-1 away win over Simba Bhora.
Eriya Mafirenyika and Nkosiyabo Masilela scored for the Gweru side before Butholezwe Ncube grabbed a late consolation for the hosts.
