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Highlanders………………………………….. 1
Bulawayo Chiefs 1
BENJANI MWARUWARI’S first league match in charge of Highlanders ended in a draw at Barbourfields yesterday as Bosso needed a late penalty to get a point.
Benjamin Adeguon conversion cancelled out Zibusiso Dambo’s first half strike for Bulawayo Chiefs. For long stretches it looked as if Chiefs were going to walk away with all the points.
The visitors had gone ahead in the 28th minute and Highlanders spent much of the afternoon chasing the game, their attacks often hurried and their finishing uncertain as the crowd grew increasingly restless.
The equaliser finally came late on when Mongameli “Smola’’ Tshuma burst into the penalty area and went down under pressure.
Referee Mhaka Magare pointed to the spot and Adeguon calmly rolled the ball past Matripples Muleya to pull Bosso level and bring a roar of relief from the home supporters.
A draw probably reflected the balance of the match.
Chiefs looked organised and dangerous whenever they broke forward while Highlanders struggled at times to impose themselves in midfield. The first warning arrived inside ten minutes when Clive Rupiya rose to meet a Brian Muza cross and guided his header just wide, close enough to bring a murmur from the terraces.
Highlanders thought they had found a response a few minutes later.
Mongameli Tshuma delivered from the left and Darlington Mukuli climbed well to nod the ball down into the path of Marvin Sibanda arriving inside the box, but the striker leaned back and sent his effort over the bar.
Chiefs still carried a threat on the counter attack and Washington Mapuya found space in the Bosso defence only to lift his effort over the bar.
As the match moved toward the closing stages Highlanders threw more men forward and the crowd sensed there might still be one last chance.
It arrived when Tshuma drove into the box and went down under pressure, leaving referee Magare with little hesitation before pointing to the penalty spot.
“Bulawayo Chiefs were very strong on the counter attack and they made the game difficult for us,” said. Benjani.
Mathew Masinge