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Mzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
Highlanders 1-1 FC Platinum
HIGHLANDERS were held to a 1-1 draw by visiting FC Platinum in a Castle Lager match played at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
Bosso came from behind for the first time this season to salvage a draw after Donald Ngoma had given the platinum miners the lead in the 25th minute.
Ngoma tapped in an Allen Gahadzikwa cut back after beating the offside trap with a cross from Thabani Kamusoko who had a superb display in the middle of the park.
Charles Sibanda pulled one back for Highlanders in the 40th minute, heading intelligently home a cross from the right.
It was Sibanda’s first goal against his former paymasters and fifth of the season.
FC Platinum exposed Highlanders’ midfield credentials as they dominated the first half with Kamusoko enjoying a free role.
Erick Mudzingwa failed to stamp his authority as in most cases he had to cover for many passengers in his side who included inept rightback Simon Munawa, Kuda Mahachi and Milton Ncube.
Marshal Mudehwe gave Bosso a torrid afternoon too while Sibanda was full of running all afternoon, with ball players Ncube, Mahachi and Knox Mutizwa not doing enough to support Mudzingwa in midfield when FC Platinum were on the offensive.
Mudehwe almost gave FC Platinum the lead in the 11th minute after beating out of sorts Munawa on the right flank but his shot went straight to Ariel Sibanda’s hands.
Highlanders took time to gain momentum as Mutizwa missed Bosso’s first clear chance in the 24th minute after Mahachi had sent an inviting cross to the box.
The visitors continued where they left in the second half as Munawa was caught napping by Gahadzikwa in the 51st minute but Ngoma missed the target.
Two minutes later Michelle Katsvairo had his stinger from the left saved by goalkeeper Ariel with a shot after intercepting a cross from Gahadzikwa.
Kelvin Kaindu pulled out Ncube for Gabriel Nyoni who was returning from an injury he suffered against Shabani Mine two months ago.
Nyoni had a chance in the 70th minute after exchanging passes with Ozias Zibanda but his curler went wide.
To neutralise Kamusoko, Bosso introduced Welcome Ndiweni for Zibande in the 74th minute in a move that brought back Mudzingwa to the game.
Highlanders started to dominate play and continued in search of the elusive winner but failed to crack the miners’ defence.
Mutasa was a happy man after picking a point against Bosso. “It was a good game and a draw was a fair result for both teams, it is a good sign and a step in the right direction for us to pick a point at Babourfields Stadium.
“We failed to utilise all our chances and now we have to go back to the drawing board,” said Mutasa.
Kaindu said they were happy to have picked a point to maintain their unbeaten run. The 2012 season should however be a reminder to Bosso that unbeaten records do not win championships.
In 2012 they lost only one game but went on to lose the title to Dynamos.
“We failed to pick up maximum points, it’s the first time we came from behind, we were exposed on the right flank with Munawa in the first half. At least we remain unbeaten but the draws are worrying,” said Kaindu.
Teams:
Highlanders: Ariel Sibanda, Dumisani Ndlovu, Innocent Mapuranga, Bruce Kangwa, Simon Munawa, Eric Mudzingwa, Knox Mutizwa (Cleopas Dube 80th minute), Milton Ncube( Gabriel Nyoni 65th minute), Kuda Mahachi, Charles Sibanda, Ozias Zibande (Welcome Ndiweni 74th minute)
FC Platinum: Petros Mhari, Simon Shoko ,Qadr Amini, Gift Bello, James Marufu, Thabani Kamsoko, Michelle Katsvairo ( Walter Musona 76th minute), Allen Gahadzikwa (Obrey Chirwa 83rd minute), Stephen Sibanda (Aaron Katebe 53rd minute), Donald Ngoma, Marshal Mudehwe.
derick.khumalo