Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo at Barbourfields Stadium
Highlanders 0-1 Herentals
HIGHLANDERS have suffered their first home defeat of the season after succumbing to a one-nil defeat against Herentals College FC at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
It was also Bosso’s second consecutive defeat after they suffered a 2-1 loss away to ZPC Kariba last week.
Bosso, who had dominated proceedings in the first half were caught napping just after the start of the second stanza and Ralph Kawondera pounced on an Arthur Ndlovu defensive error to punish the hosts.
Kawondera found the back of the net in the 47th minute and his strike from inside the box helped the Students become the first team to collect maximum points at Barbourfields this season.
Just as they started the second half, Herentals nearly broke the deadlock as early as the first minute of the game.
The Students had a dream start to the match as Wilmore Chimbetu came close to breaking the deadlock with an effort from inside the box but was denied by Raphael Pitisi.
In the seventh minute, Mafios Chihweta came close to putting Bosso in front with a shot from the edge of be box but his effort was inches off goal.
Chihweta had received a cross from Malvern Hativagoni.
In the 12th minute, Chihweta, although adjudged to have been offside, got a glorious chance inside the box after he received a pass from Reason Sibanda but could only sky his attempted curler.
As Bosso continued their search for the breakthrough, Brighton Ncube attempted a long range shot but went just over the bar.
In the 25th minute, Chihweta sent in a beautiful cross into the box but it met no takers.
Moments later, Brighton Ncube’s strike from inside the box was blocked by Brighton Majarira.
Just after, Never Rauzhi found himself with plenty of space to capitalise on but hurridly shot wide of goal.
Just after the half hour mark, Clemence Gobvu was put through on goal but met an alert Pitisi who easily collected.
In the 35th minute, Mason Mushore tackled Gobvu and the tackle resulted in almost a minute melee between players from both sides.
Referee Thabani Ruzario calmed the situation down as Bosso players were protesting a challenge on Rauzhi that wasn’t given, a few seconds before the melee.
Two minutes after Herentals broke the deadlock, Tinotenda Benza had a glorious chance of doubling his side’s lead but shot wide.
In the 71st minute, Benza came close again but his shot from inside the box was headed away from the goal line by Andrew Mbeba.
Three minutes later, Rauzhi unleashed a brilliant shot which was punched away for a corner kick by Tinotendaishe Takarinda.
Earlier, Takarinda was booked for time wasting.
Last season, Herentals also won 1-0 at Barbourfields.
Teams:
Highlanders:
Raphael Pitisi (gk), Arthur Ndlovu, Melikhaya Ncube, Reason Sibanda (Prince Ndlovu, 57mins), Malvern Hativagoni, Brighton Ncube (Mbonisi Ncube, 68mins), Mason Mushore (Tendai Muvuti, 77mins), Never Rauzhi (Never Rauzhi, 77mins), Achford Faira (Andrew Mbeba, 57mins), Luckmore Mutumbi, Mafios Chihweta.
Herentals:
Tinotendaishe Takarinda (gk), Wilmore Chimbetu, Tawanda Chisi, Tinashe Mupumha, Ralph Kawondera, Erick Dombo (Zibusiso Rugucu, 68mins), Brighton Majarira, Melvin Mukuwa, Clemence Govu (Blessing Phiri, 46mins), Innocent Benza (John Zhuwawu, 46mins), Tinotenda Benza (Panashe Kanavheti, 90mins).
