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Fungai Muderere in BULAWAYO
Highlanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
Manica Diamonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
MANICA Diamonds dropped points for the first time in NINE games as they came from behind to force a draw in this Castle Lager Premiership game at Barbourfields yesterday.
The Gem Boys had won eight games on the trot to shoot to the top of the table.
However, they found themselves behind early yesterday. Highlanders had a dream start when they shot into the lead as early as the first minute through Brighton Ncube.
The Bosso striker found himself unmarked inside the box as the ball fell onto his path and he stroked it home to give the home side a dream start against the in-form Gem Boys.
Ncube came close to doubling the lead in the 17th minute.
However, his shot from close range failed to beat Geoffrey Chitsumba in goals for Manica Diamonds.
Shortly after that, Manica Diamonds equalised with a brilliant goal which made sure that Jairos Tapera’s men secured a priceless point.
Tawanda Macheke scoed the goal.
The Gem Boys produced a fine passage of play, which ended with Macheke putting the ball in the back of the net to level matters.
After the interval, the in-form Gem Boys looked the better of the two sides.
They had two clear chances early in the second half. Substitute Michael Tapera found himself in the box but skied his effort over the bar after receiving a pass from Macheke.
In the 63rd minute, Highlanders striker Lynoth Chikuhwa had a good chance but his shot, from the edge of the box, went wide.
Teams
Highlanders: R Pitisi, M Chigumira, D Mhindirira (P Ndlovu, 87th min), L Chikuhwa, Mckinnon Mushore, A Mbeba (M Khoza, 80th min), Mason Mushore, P Muduhwa, G Nyathi (B Mlotshwa, 90th min), B Ncube (C Chigonero, 87th min), M Ncube
Manica Diamonds: G Chitsumba, L Masibhera, T Jubani, F Banda, T Chisi, J Takunda, N Mupinduki (E Karembo, 73rd min), B Amidu (K Dhemere, 73rd min), C Teguru, P Mtasa (M Tapera, 46th min), T Macheke (F Binzi, 80th min)
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