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Innocent Kurira
Highlanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2) 4
GreenFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
HIGHLANDERS recorded their largest win of the season, defeating GreenFuel 4-0 at Barbourfields dedicating their win to their late chief executive Sihlangu Dlodlo who was laid to rest on Saturday.
Lynoth Chikuhwa scored a hattrick, while Marvin Sibanda added the fourth goal, sealing a well-deserved victory for the Black and White army.
Chikuhwa is now alone on top of the Castle Lager Premiership scorers’ chart with 15 goals, three ahead of Yadah’s Khama Billiat and CAPS United’s William Manondo.
Highlanders dominated from the start, but wasted numerous first half chances.
They could have won the game by an even larger scoreline.
Chikuhwa opened the scoring in the 10th minute, courtesy of Brighton Ncube’s assist.
Ncube did the most in the build up to the goal as he dribbled past one defender before sending in the clean ball for Chikuhwa to score his first of the day.
The duo combined again for the second goal.
Marvin Sibanda headed home the third goal in the 83rd minute off a Marvelous Chigumira freekick. Chikuhwa completed his hattrick in added time, thanks to Ncube’s third assist.
The fourth goal was another easy tap in by Chikuhwa off a Ncube pass.
Highlanders coach, Kaindu, dedicated the win to Dlodlo.
“We wore black suits today in honour of our late CEO. This victory is for him. Scoring four goals is a plus, and Lynoth’s hattrick enhances his Golden Boot chances,” said Kaindu.
GreenFuel assistant coach, Taurayi Mangwiro, lamented his team’s difficult start.
“We struggled to create chances, and Highlanders’ second goal was decisive. We made tactical changes, but they hit us again,” said Mangwiro.
Chikuhwa now leads the scorers’ chart with 15 goals.
For 25 minutes, GreenFuel struggled to create any clear chances, when they eventually did on the break, Garikai Dambadzika’s tame effort was easily dealt with by Raphael Pitisi in goal for Bosso.
Six minutes before the break, Mason Mushore needlessly lost the ball just outside the box and in an attempt to make up for the blunder he fouled an opponent.
The freekick was in a dangerous position but Pitisi dealt with the danger punching the ball out of the penalty area.
Bosso seemed to have slowed down the tempo in the second half and only had their best chance in the 65th minute with Tendai Chirara making a brilliant save to deny Ncube’s placed effort from close range.
With 15 minutes left of play, James Nguluve tried an effort from a distance for the visitors.
Moments later, Ncube and Chikuhwa combined for a well worked move from the middle of the park but Ncube’s final effort was saved by Chirara
The teams observed a minute of silence for Dlodlo before kick off.
Teams:
Highlanders: Raphael Pitisi (gk), Talent Dube, Lynoth Chikuhwa, Godfrey Makaruse (Marvelous Chigumira, 81mins), Andrew Mbeba, Mason Mushore (Melikhaya Ncube, 56mins), Peter Muduhwa, Gillian Nyathi (Marvin Sibanda, 56mins), Arthur Ndlovu, Never Rauzhi (Nigel Banda, 46mins), Brighton Ncube.
GreenFuel: Tendai Chirara (gk), Honest Moyo, Brian Chikwenya (James Nguluve, 65mins), Reginald Chinemo, Dennis Nhongo, Adrian Silla, Collins Dhuwa (Chris Ngwende, 65mins), Donald Ngoma (Bruno Mtigo, 70mins), Garikai Dematsika, Naison Takawira (Mandlenkosi Gasela, 46mins), Nelson Mwasanga.
Online Reporter