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. . . strikers yet to score
Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
Highlanders 1-0 Hwange
ONCE again, Highlanders FC yesterday had to rely on a defender to score and bag maximum points as their strikers continue to misfire.
Three minutes before halftime right back Webster Chingodza ghosted from the blind side to head in a Bruce Kangwa cross against Hwange at Barbourfields Stadium.
It was Chingodza’s first goal in Highlanders colours since joining Bosso last season.
A wonder goal by injured central defender Teenage Hadebe propelled Bosso to victory against Tsholotsho FC.
A jubilant Chingodza was happy that they managed to beat Hwange who were coming from a 3-3 draw against ZPC Kariba at the Colliery Stadium where they surrendered a 3-1 lead.
“I’m very happy. I think we deserve this as a team it’s not an individual performance. But as an individual I’m happy that we got three points,” he said.
The Bulawayo giants put up a better show than they did against Tsholotsho FC as they started the match in the groove.
Highlanders’ coach Bongani Mafu made three changes to the squad that faced Tsholotsho FC with injured duo of Hadebe and Obadiah Tarumbwa being replaced by Erick Mudzingwa and Welcome Ndiweni respectively. Edmore Muzanenhamo was benched for Tendai Ngulube.
Ndiweni was in top form, playing just behind lone striker Thomas Chideu and won supporters’ hearts with some good displays.
Ngulube double anchored with Mthulisi Maphosa while Mudzingwa partnered Felix Chindungwe in central defence.
Thirteen minutes into the match, Chideu — still searching for his first Premiership goal — twisted and turned in the box but shot wide after getting to the end of a Kangwa cutback.
A minute later Hwange launched a raid but an inattentive Gilbert Zulu, unmarked in the box fluffed a glaring scoring opportunity heading a Nkosana Siwela cross from the right straight into the hands of Highlanders goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda.
Hwange striker Aleck Marime beat an offside trap in the 19th minute and tried a cheeky chip over a badly exposed Sibanda which the Bosso goalie tipped for corner.
Ngulube did well to win the ball inside the box but surprisingly directed his effort into the hands of Hwange goalkeeper Takabva Mawaya.
On the half-hour mark, Ndiweni threaded a defence splitting pass to Chideu but the former shot straight at Mawaya.
Bosso finally got it right in the 42nd minute through rightback Chingodza who had overlapped and went on to head home a perfect Kangwa cross from the left.
The miners could have equalised a minute into the second half when Siwela sent a long pass to Marime but the latter failed to control the ball having outpaced Bosso central defenders — Mudzingwa and Chindungwe.
Innocent Mucheneka should have punished Highlanders in the 52nd minute after Maphosa had lost possession and the Hwange midfielder with ample time in the box to pick his spot, shot wide.
As the clock approached the hour mark, Kangwa who had opened an avenue on the right side of Hwange sent a hard and low shot that needed a slight touch but the ball eluded Chideu and Gabriel Nyoni.
From then on, both teams continued to create chances which they failed to convert.
“With a bit of luck we could have won the game. Unfortunately we failed to convert the chances we created and it wasn’t our day. We aren’t losing hope and we will work harder for our next game against Tsholotsho FC on Monday,” said Nation Dube, the Hwange coach.
Highlanders’ gaffer Mafu was pleased with his players’ performance.
“I’m happy we won without the injured players. What also makes me happy is that goals are coming from everywhere,” Mafu said.
Teams
Highlanders: Ariel Sibanda, Webster Chingodza, Honest Moyo, Erick Mudzingwa, Felix Chindungwe, Mthulisi Maphosa (Nqobizitha Masuku, 54th minute), Tendai Ngulube, Bruce Kangwa, Welcome Ndiweni (Simon Munawa, 88th minute), Gabriel Nyoni, Thomas Chideu
Hwange: Takabva Mawaya, Tonisani Sibelo, Munyaradzi Mungadze, Gerald Ndlovu, Andrew Chuma, David Boriwondo, Innocent Mucheneka, Nkosana Siwela (Farayi Vimisayi, 48th minute), Aleck Marime (Newman Sianchali, 67th minute), Gilbert Zulu, Evans Rusike.
Results
Yesterday: Highlanders 1-0 Hwange, Chicken Inn 1-0 Tsholotsho FC, ZPC Kariba 4-2 Buffaloes, Triangle 2-0 Chapungu, Whawha 1-1 Harare City, Dynamos 1-0 Dongo Sawmills
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