Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira at Barbourfields Stadium
Highlanders 1-1 Chicken Inn
HIGHLANDERS have enjoyed a strong first half and go into the interval level after a lively and competitive opening 45 minutes.
From the outset, Bosso looked the more composed side, with Mongameli Tshuma linking up effectively with Never Rauzhi in the final third, while Itai Mabunu was alert to clear a dangerous free-kick from Nomore Chinyerere as Highlanders maintained early pressure.
Chicken Inn, however, have shown flashes of threat, particularly through Michael Charamba on the right flank, but they have struggled to truly test the Highlanders defence in the opening stages.
A well-worked move involving Adeogun and Tshuma created a promising opening, though Makopa was unable to apply the finishing touch.
The breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute when Benjamin Adeogun produced a moment of quality on the right, beating his marker before delivering a superb cross that was expertly headed home by Never Rauzhi to give Bosso the lead.
As the half progressed, Highlanders continued to control possession, dictating the tempo and limiting Chicken Inn’s attacking opportunities, while still looking dangerous on the counter.
Just before the 37th-minute mark, Brendon Rendo whipped in a dangerous cross that narrowly evaded Man Ykre Hapmo, as Chicken Inn pushed for an equaliser before the break.
However, just before the interval, Chicken Inn were awarded a penalty in the 41st minute after Nomore Chinyerere brought Man Ykre Hapmo down inside the box. Tyrese Hukupembe made no mistake from the spot to level matters.
At half-time, the sides are locked at 1-1, with everything to play for in the second half.
