Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira at Barbourfields Stadium
Highlanders 1-1 FC Platinum
HIGHLANDERS were forced to settle for a point after being held to a one all draw by FC Platinum in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter at Barbourfields Stadium.
The hosts had the better of the first half and opened the scoring through Mason Mushore, who coolly slotted home inside the box following a neat assist from Never Rauzhi.
Highlanders continued to dominate after the goal, with Rauzhi testing the FC Platinum defence twice in quick succession first with a blocked effort and then a low strike that skidded just wide.
Mason Mushore, the creative heartbeat of Bosso’s attacking play, nearly doubled the lead with a thunderous long-range drive that drew gasps from the crowd. Reason Sibanda, however, failed to capitalise on two golden chances misfiring from close range after a Rauzhi cross and later squandering a one-on-one set up by Mushore.
Against the run of play, FC Platinum found a way back into the match in the 33rd minute. Devine Mhindirira, playing against his former club, calmly equalised after a smart assist from Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya. The Highlanders defence had momentarily switched off, expecting a foul that was never awarded.
Despite the setback, Highlanders remained the more threatening side. Former Bosso defender Mbongeni Ndlovu was key in keeping the visitors organised at the back, while Brian Banda kept things ticking in midfield. Still, it was Mushore who stood out with a commanding first-half display.
The second half opened with a scare for Highlanders.
Two minutes after the restart, Hagiazo Magaya broke down the left, drove into the box and fired a shot that goalkeeper Reward Muza could only palm into the air.
With the ball looping toward goal, Arthur Ndlovu was on hand to make a dramatic goal-line clearance.
Platinum continued to press.
In the 52nd minute, Ngwenya picked out Banda on the edge of the box, whose fierce shot flew narrowly wide. Moments later, Ngwenya nearly scored himself after charging down an attempted long ball from Muza the deflection rolling just wide of the post.
Melikhaya Ncube also had a crack from distance in the 54th minute, but his effort failed to trouble the goalkeeper.
Highlanders, who have often been ruthless in front of goal this season, looked uncharacteristically blunt. Brighton Ncube had the best chance to steal the points late on, racing through after a defence-splitting pass from Mushore, but was denied by a superb save from David Bizabani capping a disciplined performance from the Platinum shot-stopper.
