Online Reporter
Ray Bande in Mutare
HIGHLANDERS will leave Mutare knowing they got away with one yesterday. Bosso were second best for long stretches at Sakubva Stadium, but a familiar story helped them again as wasteful Manica Diamonds failed to turn control into goals in a goalless Castle Lager Premier Soccer League draw.
For much of the afternoon, Highlanders looked a step behind. Manica Diamonds carried the greater threat, controlled large parts of midfield and repeatedly found space in dangerous areas. The problem came once they reached the final third.
Patrick Mandizha’s men created enough chances to put the game to bed before halftime but lacked the composure and cutting edge to finish the job.
The clearest opportunity arrived in the 16th minute and it was the kind supporters will remember long after the final whistle. Benedict Sithole somehow dragged his effort wide with the goal at his mercy and Highlanders goalkeeper Aaron Ngwenya already beaten.
That miss summed up Manica’s afternoon.
For Highlanders, the point may prove more valuable than the performance itself. Benjamin Mwaruwari watched his side struggle for rhythm and admitted Bosso had fallen below expected standards.
“It is unfortunate that the match had to end this way, settling for a draw once again. Yes, there is some kind of pressure that comes with such results but at the end of the day it is better that we picked a point away from home.
“But I should say I was not impressed with how we played. I am not happy with our performance. Manica Diamonds dominated us, especially in the first half, and we were just flat, not showing any signs of resistance. We just have to go back and work on the areas we let ourselves down.”
The draw was Highlanders’ tenth of the campaign and that number is beginning to raise uncomfortable questions. Bosso are proving difficult to beat, but they are also proving difficult to separate themselves from opponents.
Mandizha was left frustrated for different reasons. His side had done enough to win the match and he knew it.
“I think there is some level of technical proficiency that is needed in front of goal at this stage of the game and we badly lacked that. We could have easily buried our opponents, especially in the first half after creating a number of clear-cut scoring opportunities but we dismally failed.
“We just have to continue working hard on the areas we are lacking and hope we get it right in forthcoming matches. The single point we got will help us in the fight to move away from the relegation zone.”
Sakubva also showed signs of improvement off the pitch, with attendance looking healthier after Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri paid for the first 1 000 supporters, although some fans still complained of delayed access into the stadium.
Referee Tichaona Mbire also earned praise for a composed performance and firm game management in a match that rarely gave him problems.
