Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira at Barbourfields Stadium
A dramatic last-minute header from super-sub Mthokozisi Msebe salvaged a point for Scottland in a thrilling 1-1 draw against Highlanders in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
It was a second successive match Highlanders conceded an injury time equaliser after a 2-2 draw at Greenfuel a fortnight ago.
Msebe’s header in the dying moments of the game silenced the Bosso faithful, who had been celebrating what they thought was a late winner from dead-ball specialist, Andrew Mbeba just nine minutes earlier.
The game might not have been the best of affairs but the fans from both sides came out in their numbers and kept the atmosphere electric.
It was a full house!
Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu was not happy with the result.
“I’m not quite sure if we can say we got a point. Looking at the time that we scored, we should have come out with maximum points. Once again, we conceded with the last kick in the added time. That is one area we need to work on. It was a tight game, it could have gone either way.
“We are showing that we are building a good team with youngsters who can compete. Maybe, probably just our tactics towards the end of the game, when we thought we had managed it. But, with just a bit of mental fitness, one last ball into the box they scored,” said Kaindu.
Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya said their belief kept them in the game.
“Football is played 90 minutes. We kept believing that a goal will come and finally it came in the last minute. Overall, it was a good game of football, good competition from the two teams. Highlanders have a good team, they gave us a good run but, of course that coupled with home advantage. It’s always difficult to come here and get out of this place with a point.
“But I think we competed very well, we are still new, we have a new team, we are just four games old into the league and our players are still getting to really understand each other. Hopefully with more game time, they will become a unit and start to understand each other,” said Ndiraya
The match, while not lacking in late drama, was largely an uneventful fair for the most part. Highlanders enjoyed the better start but were unable to capitalise on their early dominance. They had the first opportunity in the second minute when Reason Sibanda’s long-range shot sailed over the bar.
With the game seemingly heading for a goalless draw, Highlanders finally broke the deadlock in the 81st minute.
Mbeba stepped up to take a freekick from the left wing and delivered a stunning shot that goalkeeper Nelson Chadya, battling the sun in his eyes, fumbled into the back of the net, giving Bosso the lead and sparking celebrations from the home supporters.
However, just when it seemed as if Highlanders were on their way to a crucial three points, Scottland responded in dramatic fashion. In the dying seconds of the game, Msebe rose above the Bosso defence to meet a cross from right back, Gareth Madhake and nodded home the equaliser, much to the delight of the Scottland bench and travelling fans.
The late goal left Highlanders frustrated, as it was the second consecutive match where they had failed to hold onto a lead.
Peter Muduhwa, captaining Scottland in the absence of benched Walter Musona, was solid at the back, and his leadership helped Scottland maintain composure, especially after going behind late in the game.
